Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. My colleague and friend, Senator O’Donovan, was right in what he said about the wrecks off the Cork coast. Action needs to be taken. Also, regarding our fishermen, there was a protest at the Port of Cork last weekend. There is growing concern and disquiet among our fishermen about their treatment and plight.

This important legislation requires greater scrutiny on Committee Stage and this debate is helpful. If we cast our minds back to 1959 and then forward to today, notwithstanding the evolution of time, clarity and certainty are now required. Senator O’Donovan mentioned our joining the European Union but many would say it has had a detrimental effect on our fishing industry. When we consider what happened with Brexit with respect to the EU-Great Britain negotiations and take account of climate change, it all shows we need to act to protect our marine resources. In the context of our internal waters, territorial sea, the contiguous zone and the exclusive economic zone, there is much to discuss in the context of this Bill.

I welcome the work of the Port of Cork in the context of the post-Brexit and new pandemic world. The twice weekly ro-ro service from Cork to Antwerp is putting Cork and the Port of Cork at the heart of Europe in terms of connectivity. I wish I had more time to discuss this important legislation. It is not only about maritime jurisdiction and legislation.It is about the people who work in the industry. It is about the resources in our seas. In his remarks, Senator Malcolm Byrne mentioned COP26. I suggest that we invite Pat Cox, who chaired that forum, to address the Seanad as part of our ongoing discussion.