Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I support this Bill, and we must address what is one of the worst and largest environmental scandals in this country and Europe, namely, the depletion, collapse and pillage of our fish stocks. Each year scientists and the relevant committee indicate the state of these stocks. The latest update was provided last year before a decision was made on the 2005 quota, with the state of various stocks being quoted.

Irish Sea cod was deemed to be harvested unsustainably and overfished and a recommended zero quota. Irish Sea haddock was deemed harvested unsustainably and overfished and had a recommended quota cut of 10%. Whiting in the Celtic Sea was deemed harvested unsustainably and overfished, with a recommendation of cutting to the least possible quota. Celtic Sea sole was deemed harvested unsustainably and overfished, with a recommended quota cut of7%. Plaice was deemed at increased risk and overfished, with a recommended quota cut of 54%. Hake was deemed to have an unknown stock status and be overfished, with a recommended quota cut of 14%. In Donegal, cod was deemed harvested unsustainably and overfished, with a recommended zero quota. The mackerel quota was recommended to be cut by another 30% because of unsustainable harvesting.

Such findings put us in a difficult position, and the Minister of State has my sympathy because it puts him in a tough position. It is a time of retrenchment in an industry which affects the Minister of State's constituency, and he has my sympathy and support in his actions. He has my support in this Bill, although I am interested to see what amendments are tabled. We must address the scandal and begin to set the fishing industry on the correct course so it has a sustainable long-term future.

I do not wish to criminalise anybody involved in fisheries, as the current system does to a certain extent. It has also criminalised the political system. Nobody is accusing the Minister of State on the issue of vessel licences for very large boats as he was not here at the time. There is no question of his involvement in it.

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