Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason his Department withdrew the Sea Fisheries and Marine Jurisdiction Bill from Second Stage discussion in Dáil Éireann; the changes being made to the original Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34347/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Second Stage consideration of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill was postponed to allow time to consider issues raised at a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on 12 October, particularly to seek further advice from the Attorney General on the committee's proposals for the introduction of administrative sanctions to replace the current system of penalties. It was also considered important, in light of the concerns expressed by the committee, to review the provisions in the Bill which allow a sea fishery officer, in certain circumstances, to carry a firearm and to fire a gun at or into the boat.

The Second Stage of the Bill is now planned for tomorrow, 17 November. Any amendments arising, in the context of these issues or others, can be introduced on Committee Stage and, accordingly, should not delay the Bill and its planned adoption by the end of the year.