Labour party joins search for Dept of the Marine

5th June 2008

Following significant lobbying by the Irish Marine Federation into the loss of the Department of the Marine, the Labour Party Spokesperson on the Marine, Senator Michael McCarthy has highlighted the ongoing confusion regarding responsibility for the Marine portfolio.

The comments echo recent Afloat magazine editorials seeking an exaplanation for the removal of the marine dept from the cabinet table.

Today in Dáil Éireann, the Tánaiste, Deputy Mary Coughlan was unable to give a date for the publication of the long overdue Foreshore Bill.

Responding to a question by Labour’s Deputy Joanna Tuffy the Tánaiste said that the reason for the delay was because a transfer of functions still had to take place between Departments.

Senator McCarthy said, ‘This situation is nothing short of a joke. The Government’s Marine policy is a charade. Responsibility is moving around departments like a game of musical chairs. The truth is nobody is responsible and nobody is showing leadership. Now the Government can’t even give a date for the “publication” of long overdue and much promised legislation.

‘The Marine sector has literally fallen off the Government’s radar. Twelve months on from the formation of this Dáil and the Government is still unable to agree the transfer of necessary functions to facilitate important and significant legislation, he added.

‘The Taoiseach needs to reassess the current position. We need a joined up, cohesive and integrated Maritime policy. If we are to provide for the growth and development of a vibrant Marine sector, the Taoiseach must appoint to the cabinet a full Minister with responsibility for all the facets of the Marine industry.’ McCarthy said.

Published in News From the Afloat.ie Archive

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