Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the comments made by other members. It is detrimental to fishermen to have this dual process of penalties enforced on them. In addition, penalty points in this case are administered at a lower standard and can have a hugely detrimental effect on fishers and their ability to make an income for their families. They must be given due process and there should be a higher bar for sanctions in such cases. People could end up losing their livelihood on foot of this provision. There should be protection and it should be made much more difficult to catch people out and level such offences at them. This provision does not marry up with the criminal system. The amendment would make the procedure more compatible with the criminal system.