Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and Senators for their contributions. I hear what the Minister says. The easy option is not to reject the Minister's non-acceptance of the amendment and to call a vote, but that is politics. We have enough of that going on here. Let us use this House in a constructive way.

The key words in the Minister's statement were that the proposed amendment "pre-empts further legislation". He also said that in regard to the regulator it might not be appropriate, but that he had not teased out that matter in any great detail. I respect that. The Minister spoke about this legislation being transitional and part of a series of changes that he would like to see and said it was but a first step in the reform process. I have to be clear on one issue; we need to speed up. We should not doubt the Minister's commitment. Things move slowly, but this is a critical issue. The coverage this Bill has received in various marine publications is enormous. It is interesting to look at the provincial newspapers that are covering this particular issue. There is huge concern. Coastal communities around the country are stakeholders and they are concerned.

I echo what Senators Dooley and Buttimer said in regard to Michael Kingston.He is a very brave man who put his money where his mouth is. He has expertise, took a case and was successful, and we must learn from that. The Minister and his party, more than anyone, know about bravery and courage because they challenged the establishment and status quoabout environmental issues. It is a lonely and expensive road and it leaves people very much on their own. I acknowledge that and the role of some key Green Party activists who have pursued other similar types of advocacy issues because they believed in them. Let us not forget the guys outside who are trying to do their best. Let us not always overanalyse their motives. Not all of them are necessarily against the establishment. They want a better system.

I take on board what the Minister has said but the problem is that progress is too slow. I know we will be able to look back at this legislation in 12 months. The important message that I want to go out today is that we have a structure that is professional and appropriate in terms of a marine casualty investigation. I have reflected on what the Minister has said and will read his comments in the Official Report later. He has indicated that legislation is part of a process that will be rolled out.

I am glad to have had the opportunity to bring this matter to the House again. I acknowledge that the Minister, who is a busy man, came to the House to tease out the details. I will withdraw my amendment but I will keep a keen eye on this legislation. To be honest, I will stir things up if I do not see progress made in the next 12 months. We should not have to wait that long. This is an important issue. I want to send the very clear message to the coastal communities that I have raised this issue. I am never shy when it comes to public relations, advocating and telling the world what I do in here. It is what we all should do as it is what makes a politician stand out. I will engage with the various maritime publications and the maritime community within the next few hours. I will tell them where we are and send them a link to the proceedings of this debate. All we can do is bring this matter to the central table and ask the Minister to keep an eye on it.

The Minister's party is only one member of a three-party coalition but the Minister knows what it is like to be a member of a small party in a parliamentary Chamber. We have quite a small set-up on this side of the House but the vast majority in both Houses. I would like to think that one day in the life of this Government a Minister will come to the House and tell a member of the Opposition that he or she brought some really constructive ideas and suggestions to legislation and that he or she will support that Member 100%. Unfortunately, such unconditional support has not been forthcoming. It is a mark of this Government that it does not have the political maturity to come into the Houses and acknowledge the work of members of the Opposition who have a critical role to play in parliamentary democracy and enhancing legislation, particularly in the Upper House.

I thank the Minister and his officials for their time and the few Senators in the Chamber who engaged in this debate. More important, I thank all of the Senators on the committee because that is where a much of the debate took place and much of the work was done. Let us leave with a renewed commitment to keep this issue on the political agenda. I am happy to withdraw my amendment on the basis I have outlined.