Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

Not to divert from the important issue on which the other Senators spoke, I ask again for a debate on the current review of the Common Fisheries Policy and reiterate my demand for an exclusive 100 mile limit, which I think the Minister is considering. If we do not conserve our stocks the fishing industry and the fish to be eaten in the next decade will deplete.

On a more positive note, through the Leader I want to I pass on our congratulations to the marine scientists of this country on finding a wonderful coral reef in the Porcupine bank. This is most unusual in the northern hemisphere. This indicates that our marine scientists are second to none in the world if given the opportunity. They have an exploration vessel which is more or less doing a hydrographic survey and mapping the seabed throughout our coastline, which probably should have been done years ago. They should be congratulated on this wonderful success story. Will the Leader ask the responsible Minister and the EU to ensure the part of the Porcupine bank in question, a true ecological gem, is conserved sooner rather than later? Since this would show that marine issues are important to the House, will the Leader acknowledge my request? Will he also ensure a debate on fishing before the House rises in a few weeks, particularly given the review of the Common Fisheries Policy? It is a critical issue, but a debate next October would be too late.