Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very disappointed with the Minister's response to my suggestion that he set up an independent review. My suggestion is fair and I did not point a finger at him or anybody else. Earlier I read out the facts. There is a massive difference between what has been recorded officially and the reality on the ground.

The Minister cannot in any way, shape or form turn this around and say that we, as a committee, can do this. We can question but the Minister can give instruction under section 46 of the 2006 Act, where it states that the Minister has the power to give general policy direction in respect of the SFPA's functions. Section 42 also states that one of the functions of the SFPA is to advise the Minister about policy and effective implementation of fishery laws.

This is not effective implementation of fishery laws. There is something wrong here and it needs to be put right. Will the Minister, in the name of God, stand by the fishermen for once, and say, "To hell with this, I am going to give to give an order"? I am not asking the Minister to say that the SFPA is wrong but I am asking him to set up an independent review? That is all I am asking him to do, to support that request and for that to happen. That is all I am asking here with 27 seconds left to speak. Fishermen's livelihoods are on the brink and the Minister is at the head of the ship. I ask him not to let it sink.