Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

So, basically, we are almost back to square one. I will quote from paragraph 5.1, under conclusions, on page 44 of the 2018 audit report. It is the third last paragraph.

It states: "Due to a lack of resources dedicated to control Ireland only met one of eight benchmarks to fully inspect landings of bulk pelagic species in 2017 which undermines the ability to ensure an effective control system." That was then, but it must be remembered, no matter who it is, that obligation is on Ireland. Today, we have the chair of the SFPA, Susan Steele, quoted in a newspaper as saying that the "accurate weighing of catches remains the responsibility of [the] industry." Can someone just tell us who is in charge? Mr Gleeson might have to check that but when he finds out I would appreciate it if he would come back to me.

We cannot be exposed by an organ of the State, another entity over which nobody seems to have control, to any form of penalty, whether it is €40 million withheld or €40 million in fines or, more importantly, a reduction to the current miserable quotas we have for the fishermen of Ireland, who have lost about 15% through the Brexit process. I make the point that agencies are out of control and the State seems to be absolving itself of responsibility. Does Mr. Gleeson believe the SFPA is a functional organisation?