Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

——including Members who do not represent areas near ports or coastal areas and not only those with a particular interest in the fishing industry and fishermen. I happen to live in Dublin North-Central which includes Dublin Port and Dublin Bay and, as such, I have an interest in marine and fishing issues. It is important we have a broad debate because the State's fishing industry belongs to the people and the people directly involved in the fishing industry must be supported by all Members of the Oireachtas. While I welcome the opportunity to debate this Bill, I strongly oppose it because major issues arise.

Ireland is a maritime country. It is an island nation with a strong, long and proud history of fishing and life on the sea and fishing is of major importance. We must also be conscious of the economic benefits of the fishing industry in modern-day life. That is why I state as an Independent Member of the Oireachtas that I will examine the objective and sensible proposals in the legislation. I will also examine the proposals and amendments that support fishermen, conservation and the development of the fishing industry as a whole. It is important to develop the fishing industry to the maximum potential of the people working in it in the interests of the tax payers and citizens of the country.

We often forget about the difficulties, dangers and hazardous conditions faced by people in the industry, such as those caused by climate changes. We must have great respect and admiration for them. It is not a cushy number. It is a difficult job and good luck to them and their families in times when they benefit economically because they work extremely hard and take risks. We should not apologise for that in any way. Many people involved in the industry have lost their lives and we should not lose sight of that.

This brings me to the area of safety at sea. During recent days we saw the case involving the Pisces, the tragic deaths of people in Wexford, the suffering of the families and the situation of the owner of the boat. That case was horrific and sad. Did we learn lessons from it? As I speak, how many people are bringing out boats without proper life-jackets or taking the necessary safety measures? I know from visiting different parts of the country, such as beautiful parts of Galway or Kerry, one goes on boat trips and no one insists on the wearing of life jackets. That is unacceptable and I urge the Minister of State to take this issue on board when dealing with future legislation. We cannot allow more tragic deaths to occur.

On the broader issue of fishing, we must listen to the people involved in the industry and that is why I am concerned about the legislation. No Department or Minister will progress without the support and consent of the people involved in the industry. If fishermen approach us, we must listen to their concerns and reflect them in the legislation. It is important we have a planned and well thought-out strategy on conservation. I strongly support my colleagues when they raise the issue of conservation and planning for the future. I know that is a concern for some people and rightly so.

We must break the mindset from our history regarding illegal fishing. We had a tradition of being against the empire, which is perfectly understandable for a nation controlled by an imperial power. People fished illegally as a challenge to the empire. We have moved on from the days of rogue fishermen setting lines in the middle of the night and fishing illegally. It is time for a change in mindset. To ensure proper planning, conservation must be part of the broader agenda. Aspects of this Bill are directly connected to this point and I acknowledge that.

Society in general often ignores this issue. We must consider the role of fish and health issues in society. We need new creative ideas. We have a terrible situation of a massive cancer epidemic in society. This is obviously connected to diet and the modern way of life. Statistics show that the high rates of cancer represent an epidemic much worse than the TB epidemic in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. This is not accepted as a reality. A sensible strategy by the Department of Health and Children would recognise the importance of fish in the diet of Irish people. This is particularly true of oily fish in respect of heart disease, blood and cholesterol. Creative Ministers for Health and Children and Communications, Marine and Natural Resources would recognise the need to focus on marketing and development. A planned campaign should encourage people to eat fish two or three times per week rather than once. A campaign on the value of fish is needed and I encourage the Minister not to price fish out of the market.

Major concerns about this Bill must be acknowledged. The Dumping at Sea Act also refers to the proposed fill-in of 52 acres in Dublin Bay. I commend Dublin Bay Watch Limited for its campaign,which I support. I will continue the tradition of Mr. Seán Dublin Bay Loftus.

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