Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The passing of this Bill must be one of the fastest we have done. I thank the Cathaoirleach and Senators for the efficiency. I welcome Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan and his guests. It is nice to see them all.I will be travelling down to their part of the country tomorrow with Deputy O'Sullivan. They can leave a cup of coffee for me along the road. I will pick it up later tonight. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.

I thank the Seanadóirí for their time and their contributions on Committee Stage of this Bill. Over the past two years, this legislation has been brought through the consultation process. My officials and I have worked with stakeholders, farming representatives and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to achieve this. Where possible, we have taken on board the views expressed by stakeholders and the recommendations of the joint committee. Changes have been incorporated into the Bill to reflect these views.

On previous occasions, I have said that I believe we already have a fair and independent appeals system. The fact that 35% to 40% of appeals submitted to the appeals office each year are overturned fully or partially in favour of the farmer speaks to that. However, I believe that the independent review panel, which will include members with practical knowledge and experience of farming, will serve to further enhance the efficiency and independence of the existing appeals system and provide reassurance to farmers bringing an appeal.

The amendments to the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 are also important in that members can now serve on the board of the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board or as chair or ordinary member beyond the age of 70. This means their experience and expertise are not lost by virtue of reaching a specific age. The amendments also ensure the tenure of the chairperson of the appeals board is sufficiently aligned with the code of practice for the governance of State bodies.

I am very grateful to the Seanad and the Dáil for supporting the Bill. I look forward to see it go through the Oireachtas and being passed. I thank Ms Lynda O'Regan, Mr. David O'Loughlin and Ms Ruth Kinehan for their work on the Bill.