I move amendment No. 1:
In page 3, line 25, after "social sciences," to insert "hydrography and oceanography,".
Before I refer to my amendment I would just acknowledge the Minister for the Marine opposite me. I hope that during our term in this area we will have very productive and constructive dialogue.
It was argued by the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Noonan, during Committee Stage, that the words proposed to be inserted were redundant and did not need to be part of the Bill as it stands. However, this Bill is of enormous importance, and I know that everybody in the House, particularly the Minister, will agree that the whole future of the marine, its protection and productivity, and the implementation of an Act that will allow research and development into the marine is vital, particularly taking two points into consideration. First, we are an island nation surrounded by the sea and I hope that more and more in the future we will be able to consider the sea as one of our main areas of productivity; second, when other industries are coming under tremendous pressure and are being cut back, the development of the marine must be one of our primary objectives, so that job creation in this area will make up for what is being lost in other industries.
I would urge that hydrography and oceanography be included in the Bill. We have not paid enough attention to these matters up to now. Within the whole context of the Single European Market and competition within Europe, the market with regard to fisheries will be very competitive. We have been told by world researchers that we have not yet begun to exploit the potential with regard to minerals and other products which come from the sea. Therefore, rather than hydrography and oceanography being seen to be redundant it is worth highlighting their importance and providing for them in the Bill. The Marine Institute should carry out research in this area and use it in a practicable and productive way. I urge the Minister to consider this matter.
Deputy Madeleine Taylor-Quinn asked on Committee Stage that hydrography and oceanography be included in the Bill. The Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, replied: "As requested by the Deputy I will have it examined". I would like to think that upon examination the Minister will accept this amendment.