Mr. Fintan Kelly:

Even though I am being highly critical of the Department and the Minister, Deputy Creed, or so it might seem, we have a very positive relationship with the Department. We meet the Department staff in Clonakilty several times a year. We also meet staff in the Marine Institute quarterly. I met the Minister several times last year and I also met him just the other week. The reaction from him and his staff is that they understand what we are asking them to do but they have a different approach. They believe they are getting there incrementally. We believe, based on the evidence, that we are not making the necessary progress and the old habits of the short-termism and the political realities are hindering the progress. There should be much greater focus on the opportunities. If the Department was to come before the Oireachtas committee today and present figures of increased profitability and jobs to the value of just under €300 million for any sector, I believe there would be excitement. Bord Bia would have national campaigns and I am sure booklets would be printed. That is the approach that we believe the Department should take regarding the MSY and the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP.