Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like previous speakers, I commend Senator Swanick on this very sensible and long-overdue Bill. Effectively, I live beside the sea. I live between Ennistymon and Lahinch in County Clare. I walk the beach at any opportunity I get. I was on the beach yesterday evening because I had some spare time. I know as well as anybody in this House the challenges faced regarding equipment for emergencies, such as lifebuoys. Deputy Grace O'Sullivan is absolutely correct.I have been to Tramore where the beach is similar to beaches in my area.

I estimate that more than 50% of defibrillators are purchased using money raised by voluntary groups. These groups go to the effort of collecting money to ensure defibrillators are available to save lives. They are placed at GAA clubs and other locations in communities. For example, there is one on the beach in Lahinch. The people who target them are more than chancers; they are thugs. The Bill will fill a gap in terms of dealing with those who behave in this way.

An intensive educational programme is needed to deal with minors who engage in this activity. Transition year in secondary schools could be put to good use by educating young people for life. By the time they leave school, all young persons should have been given an opportunity to learn how to swim. They should also be taught what responsibilities they have in respect of equipment that is available for use when people get into trouble. Some volunteers and colleagues have spoken about incidents that have taken place. I forget the name of the young gentleman from Belfast who drowned. A good friend from my locality, Catríona Lucas, lost her life two years ago while on a search and recovery mission. The Doolin rescue centre, which was built by the Irish Coast Guard in 2014, is now named after Ms Lucas. The Taoiseach visited Ennistymon on Saturday to open my constituency office. I must credit him for ensuring the Doolin Coast Guard secured the new centre with the best equipment available to allow it to respond rapidly and save lives.

I am pleased to support the legislation and I hope that in due course Senator Swanick will be able to support a Bill I am working on to make it a criminal offence to disregard the instructions of the emergency services when a red weather alert is in place. During Storm Ophelia in October 2017, it was scandalous that people went wind surfing and seeking adventure with a hurricane alert in place. In addition to putting their own lives in danger, these individuals also put at risk the lives of those who must go out and save the lives of others when they are in danger. It is appropriate that some form of deterrent and punishment should be in place to deal with those who wilfully ignore a red weather alert by taking to the roads or waterways or generally disregarding and disrespecting the instructions of the emergency services who try to save lives, including the Civil Defence. The carry-on along the coastline during Storm Ophelia and similar storms was not acceptable. People took photographs on their phones of waves crashing over houses. This type of thrill seeking needs to stop as it shows a blatant disregard for those who risk their lives to save the lives of others.

The Seanad is the ideal forum for raising these types of issues. In the cold light of day, when we are not in the middle of an emergency, we can discuss and debate legislation and ensure it covers all angles. Senator Swanick has done a great job in covering the relevant issues. I am sure colleagues will be able to strengthen the Bill on Committee Stage by suggesting amendments that address angles that the Senator may not have considered. I look forward to engaging with Senators to ensure the Bill is enacted and ultimately results in lives being saved.