Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I am happy to seek that advice but what we have to look at here is the framework in which all of this happens, which is the Common Fisheries Policy. I am conscious that other member states view their quota differently. In Ireland, we view the quota as a national resource. We assign catching capacity to certain vessels based on that, but we do not do anything that ascribes ownership or in any way has the potential to ascribe ownership. Other states do it differently and, as a result, large corporations have bought up quota. It puts them in a strong position.

I am mindful with regard to looking for an investigation, and I am using my words guardedly here, that it may not be illegal at all because like lots of conglomerates, these companies have succeeded in purchasing opportunity and travelling from there. I am happy to explore it but the issue lies in what the member state or third country chooses to do in its negotiations, rather than the corporations. I am not in any way suggesting that they are not part of the mix but, from what I have read, it would seem that they are operating within national law and European law. The context in which all of this is set is the Common Fisheries Policy. The question is whether the Common Fisheries Policy is fit for purpose if it allows something as distorting as this to happen.