Is there a precedent for the definition of the word "reasonable" in relation to section 7 (1) which states: "at all reasonable times enter and inspect". Will notice in writing or any other notice have to be given or what is understood by that expression?
Shipping Investment Grants Bill, 1987: Committee Stage (Resumed).
SECTION 7.
Question proposed: "That section 7 stand part of the Bill".
Section 7 (1) gives necessary powers of entry and inspection of ships in respect of which a grant has been given and that is normal in Acts of this type. It is reasonable that it does not and should not cover anything other than spot checks. If one is to give adequate notice then it would defeat the purpose of spot checks.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 8 and 9 agreed to.
SECTION 10.
Question proposed: "That section 10 stand part of the Bill".
Arising from what the Minister has said this morning in connection with the port facilities — I also said this on Second Stage — if this plan is to succeed we badly need a portal plan as this is seen as one of the ways of developing shipping. The Minister, Deputy Daly, more or less agreed with that. Therefore I fundamentally disagree with the Minister's assertion in his speech and ask him if he has any response to that.
Section 10 states that the expenses incurred by the Minister in the administration of this Act shall, to such an extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas. That is a normal provision to enable the Minister to incur expenditure on the administration of the grants scheme and does not cover any expenditure in providing port facilities as that is a different matter. I may elaborate on that matter on Report Stage but this section deals strictly with administrative costs.
Question put and agreed to.
SECTION 11.
Question proposed: "That section 11 stand part of the Bill".
Why did the Minister feel it was necessary to repeal the Shipping Investment Grants Act, 1969, and to produce this Bill rather than amend the 1969 Act accordingly?
It was felt that we should repeal the 1969 Act and enact this Bill rather than introduce a series of amendments. This was considered better from a legal viewpoint and for the sake of clarity. It would be more straightforward to repeal the 1969 Act.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 12 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Agreed to take remaining Stages today.