Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh na finnéithe. Beimid in ann léamh céard a bheidh le rá acu agus beidh deis againn ansin scrúdú a dhéanamh ar an méid sin. I join the Chairman in welcoming the groups to the joint sub-committee. One of the problems that can arise is that one may be required to be in two places at the one time. I am taking Leaders' Questions this morning on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party. Unfortunately I cannot stay for the duration for the meeting but, as the delegates are probably aware, a record is kept of everything that is said and I will make it my business to read the full debate that will take place today. When we are making our recommendations as a committee, I will give full cognisance to the contribution that will be made today. This is a very important subject and we need to hear what the people on the ground are saying and to listen with particular care to what has been said. The establishment of this sub-committee - which focuses on inshore and island fishing, among other issues - by the Chairman is very important. I apologise to the delegates for my absence but the debate today will form part of my contribution to policy.