Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his success in being elected. I have no doubt he will be fair and balanced. His opening remarks were very positive for this new Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

I come from Kilkenny, which is an inland county, so people are probably wondering why I am on this committee. This is an area I am interested in and I am looking forward to working with all of the members for the betterment of fisheries and maritime affairs.

I will refer to what my colleague, Deputy Cahill, said about the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW. Could we invite him to attend? I am examining the fishery side of things in particular in terms of the many flood relief schemes. There are great delays in them and many environmental issues. Perhaps we could examine this in the overall context at some stage over the course of this committee.