Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On amendment No. 8, which relates to the European Union instruments, I mentioned in some detail integrated coastal zone management and the marine strategy framework directive, more commonly known as the marine directive. Is the Minister of State saying this Bill will have full regard to those? I am simply proposing that they be included but for some reason there seems to be a difficulty with including them. We have signed up to them. I do not want to draw this matter out. I am somewhat taken aback that the Government has a difficulty with including two simple EU instruments in the legislation. I do not quite understand that. Is it that there is repetition, which I would understand, or is it that the Minister of State does not feel it is necessary or important? I ask him to elaborate on that.

I want to be helpful and constructive. I want to put these issues to bed as much as possible now rather than introduce further amendments on Report Stage. The more clarity we have, the better. This is a democracy and this is a chamber for democratic debate. If I could have a greater understanding of the logic and rationale behind that decision, I would be happy to rest my case. I need clarity as I simply do not have the answer. That is why I am asking.