Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What Senator Humphreys raised does not speak to the amendment. It is wrong to suggest it. The Bill will not allow the removal. The reality is that there is limited space on the dock. The by-laws can now be drawn up and sent for public consultation. Their drafting will take time, as we know. This Bill is being debated extensively and there has been constructive engagement with the boating community and Waterways Ireland. I believe that relationship is positive and many matters will be resolved through discussion, engagement and dialogue.

With regard to Senator Grace O'Sullivan's comments, I will arrange for Waterways Ireland to continue to engage. It is not correct to apply this to this legislation. The by-laws are subject to consultation and this Bill is not carte blanchefor this. I have had no request for a meeting and will confine my remarks to the amendments under discussion. There have been meetings with boat owners and users and I believe that Waterways Ireland will take a positive and reasonable approach, but it has to balance the needs of all users on the canals. In response to Senator Warfield, this Bill is not an eviction device. Waterways Ireland will continue to engage constructively and with compassion. What has been raised here this evening is a parliamentary ambush which does not speak to the amendments in front of this House. My officials met the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and it did not raise this issue. Waterways Ireland is committed to dialogue. The Senator is not speaking to the amendment.

What Senator Higgins is saying is preposterous. There will not be charges for walking, sitting on benches or anything of that nature. An amendment that was suggested in the Seanad that would have allowed for such charges was voted down. I assure the Senators that the canals will remain free avenues of public amenity.