Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Will the Minister agree that the long-term interests of fishermen depend on the fish being there to catch? Will he agree that science clearly shows that if we ignore the long-term sustainability issue and catch more than the scientists recommend, there will be no fish to catch? This would be lunacy on the part of the Government. It would be the worst policy for the fishing industry and for everyone else in this country. It is bringing shame on this country because this is the last country allowing this drift net fishing. We are permitting this fishing and managing the system above what the scientists say is sustainable. This is pure lunacy.

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