As the Deputy is probably aware, this is a project I have been pursuing for a long number of years. The final report of the all-island strategic rail review was published in July last year, following extensive public consultation. The report sets out 32 recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with decarbonisation commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and w…

There is a timeline. I said that the all-island rail review mentioned a start date of 2030. However, with the review of the national development plan, and in view of the fact that the project does not need planning permission or a rail order, it is a project that can be implemented a lot quicker than that. I hope to talk to and continue to engage with officials. In the context of the national development plan, we hope to ensure that this project gets going as soon as possible. As we said earlier, it is important th…

I will take this matter on behalf of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke. I thank Deputy McCormack for raising this important matter. The Minister, Deputy Burke, and I share his deep concern for those staff and their families in County Offaly who are impacted by the decisions of the companies. In January 2025 , Nelipak Healthcare of Clara, County Offaly, announced that it had undertaken an analysis of sales forecasts and operational needs in the UK and Ireland, and a decision was m…

It is 59%, not 50%-----

-----which is closer to two thirds than half. I do agree with the Deputy, though. We need to have more of it, and we need to see it on the ground. Ireland continues to be seen as a location of choice for new investors as well as long-established companies that choose to further invest in substantial expansions of their operations here. That is borne out in the IDA report from last year. In 2024, direct employment in IDA client companies stood at more than 300,000 people nationally for the third year in a row despit…

I thank the Deputy for raising this question. It is interesting from a rural TD perspective to find out what is actually happening in the Deputy's constituency with drones and the delivery of fast food. As he said, it is new. From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of both the recreational and commercial use of drones, or unmanned aircraft systems as they are technically called, is provided for under European Union regulations that are directly applicable in Ireland. Two drone-specific EU regulations en…

The Deputy mentioned a question about planning and whether it is required. It is a matter for the planning authority. If somebody has a commercial enterprise in a location, they have to have planning permission for it. That is coming from the experience of working on the council for a number of years. Aviation is a highly regulated industry and there is a comprehensive legislative framework in place at both EU and national level to regulate safe drone operations. The rapid pace of drone innovation and commercialisa…

I thank Deputy Geoghegan for raising a very important issue we need to get to grips with. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media pending the formal transfer of functions, following Government formation. There are currently no plans to introduce a tourist tax or visitor accommodation levy but the Minister’s understanding and his view is that the introduction of such a levy would need careful consideration given the importance of inbound tourism to Ireland’s e…

Tourism is the largest indigenous industry in Ireland and a major driver of regional growth and employment. Visitor accommodation capacity is a key infrastructure element underpinning the tourism offering, located, as it is, in every region and county. The visitor accommodation business provides significant employment, supporting livelihoods, families and sustainable local economies. The programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, comprehensively sets out the Government's ambitious plan to strengthen and e…

I move amendment No. 1: In page 24, line 12, after “in” to insert “civil or”. This section was amended on Committee Stage to ensure accident investigation reports of the marine accident investigation unit, MAIU, are prohibited from being used in criminal proceedings. I wish to further amend this section to also prohibit their use in civil proceedings. It is a strict requirement of the EU directive that investigations of the MAIU must be independent of criminal investigations or other parallel investigations held to…

Many issues were raised and many reports were mentioned. Ireland intends to ratify the Cape Town Agreement. However, important matters relating to the implementation of the agreement have been raised at the IMO. The Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments developed interim guidelines to assist in the implementation of that agreement, which was adopted in December 2024. The formal resolution is awaited and Ireland is fully engaged with the process at the IMO. We have a higher standard than what is being s…

What I said was that the report has not been published in full but the recommendations and observations have been published. Recruitment is at clearance stage but no appointments have been made and will not be made until this Bill is enacted. Recruitment has gone through the Public Appointments Service process. I am new to this position. I have no problem meeting people and my officials will come back to the Deputies about that. That is part of what I will do.

I move amendment No. 2: In page 47, line 10, to delete “1994” and substitute “2000”. Amendments Nos. 2 to 5, inclusive, are technical textual amendments for defining the high-speed craft code of 2000. This section deals with consequential amendments required to other merchant shipping Acts on foot of the new requirements for offshore service vessels. The amendments proposed are technical amendments to correct typographical errors in the definition of the high-speed craft code of 2000.

I move amendment No. 3: In page 47, line 11, after “MSC.97(73),” to insert “and any amendments made to it”.

I move amendment No. 4: In page 47, line 12, to delete “on 28 April 2022”.

I move amendment No. 5: In page 47, line 13, to delete “28th” and substitute “28”.

I move amendment No. 6: In page 49, line 19, to delete “107th session” and substitute “110th session”. Amendments Nos. 6 and 7 will allow for the updating of the definition of the Maritime Labour Convention to take into account amendments adopted in 2022 that came into force in December 2024. This section deals with consequential amendments required to other merchant shipping Acts on foot of the new requirements for offshore service vessels. The proposed amendments update the definition of the Maritime Labour Conve…

I thank Deputy McGrath for his contribution. I will meet him to discuss the issue he has raised. He can bring it to my attention after the debate. Will I give my closing remarks now?

Is everybody happy? I thank all Deputies for their contributions this evening. I know their hearts are in the right place. I thank the House for facilitating Report and Final Stages today. The important thing is that this Bill is to enhance the safety regime and bring accident investigation in line with international best practice and standards. We also need to regulate offshore service vessels because they are required if we are to take full advantage of offshore wind energy. We have made progress towards achievin…

I move amendment No. 7: In page 49, line 20, to delete “5 June 2018” and substitute “6 June 2022”.