Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

One of the most interesting aspects of the debate on the Bill so far concerns the differences it has highlighted within Fianna Fáil, and the opposition of some Fianna Fáil Deputies to the thrust of the legislation as it affects penalties on fishermen. In this regard, it is interesting that Fianna Fáil Deputies are attempting to have motions placed for debate in the European Parliament which, if accepted, would go completely against the intent of this Bill. The main thrust of the motions are that penalties should be proportionate and should not discriminate between national fleets and those from other EU member states and, above all, that the means employed to enforce legislation should not have the effect of criminalising fishermen.

Many people, including those in my own party, agree with the sentiments expressed, but surely the place to address them is here. The logic therefore of the opposition from within the industry and across the political parties represented here is that this legislation should be withdrawn. The whole system of regulations and penalties employed in the sector should be subject to a total review and reform. That will also require that this State demands that the entire basis on which Irish fisheries are governed through the Common Fisheries Policy should be re-negotiated and that the CFP be subject to a similar process to that undergone by the Common Agricultural Policy.

As regards those directly involved in the fishing industry and the risks attached, I want to raise an issue of serious concern that has been brought to my attention today. I want to raise this matter now because there will be no other opportunity to do so and it is an issue of the utmost urgency. The Navy believes it has found the wreckage of the fishing vessel the Rising Sun, which sank off the Wexford coast on Tuesday. The Navy has put in place a one-mile exclusion zone around the area of the wreckage and has indicated to the family that it may be a crime scene.

The Navy is causing great hurt to the family of the missing skipper Mr. Pat Colfer by telling them that divers are not to go down and search the sunken vessel for his remains. The Navy has indicated that it may be Sunday before divers are sent down. It has also indicated that there will be a criminal prosecution following any intervention by the family concerning the wreckage.

I have also been informed that the Navy has telephoned local divers instructing them not to go near the wreckage. The senior naval person on the scene showed great discourtesy and lack of sympathy towards Mr. Colfer's brother when he attempted to discuss the situation with him.

The Minister for Defence must intervene and ensure that the Navy does not hinder attempts to commence the search of the sunken vessel for the remains of the lost fisherman. This is a humanitarian request from a family which has been devastated by this tragedy. I appeal to the Minister of State, if he can, to intervene in this process.

The Minister must assure this House that every sympathy and understanding will be shown to the family by the naval authorities in any future dealings with them. I realise that this information is probably new to the Minister of State, but the family has contacted us about this serious situation so I would appreciate it if he could do something about it.

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