Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

Coming as I do from a rural and coastal community, I have tremendous respect for any group of people who work at building up an industry and who maintain viable communities as a result. In my experience the fishermen of Ireland have worked extremely hard and have succeeded in establishing the industry in spite of massive Government neglect through the years. There are many coastal towns and villages which would crumble completely if the fishing industry and the revenue it provides were taken out. I hope the fishing industry will continue to develop and contribute to the economic well-being of the country.

When my attention was first drawn to this Bill, I was very surprised at the severity of the fines being proposed and the general approach being taken towards fishermen. It must be remembered that we are not discussing drug dealers or terrorists, but fishermen attempting to make a fair and credible living. This proposed Bill is totally unreasonable and over the top, penalising Irish fishermen far more than those from other European states. I am aware that across Europe, which in theory has a Common Fisheries Policy, the vast majority of fishery offences are dealt with differently than here. Irish fishermen already face the harshest penalties in Europe for fisheries offences. This has been reported in a number of debates in this House recently, and I do not need to quote facts and figures.

There has been a media campaign in the past few weeks claiming this Bill is required to avoid heavy fines from Europe. I cannot see the logic behind the increasing of fines to avoid European sanctions, when Irish fines are already the highest in Europe. This makes no sense to most, but it clearly does to some civil servants. This is a complete red herring and the European Commission does not support the introduction of heavier fines, but favours the use of administrative sanctions. Another justification for the Bill is the possibility of closing existing loopholes. I am in favour of this, but the addition of heavier fines and penalties for unrelated offences is completely unacceptable.

I have some questions for those in favour of this Bill in its current entirety, and who argue that it is required for the protection of the State and its fisheries. What actions are being taken to address the wholesale discarding of fish by fleet or factory trawlers off the Irish coast? These vessels are discarding more pelagic fish in a week than the majority of Irish vessels are landing in a year. If the powers that be are so interested in protecting our fish resources, why is this problem not being addressed?

It has been acknowledged in various European Commissions over the years that on top of having the highest fines, most Irish cases are heard in the Circuit Court, which results in the fisherman getting a criminal record and having an additional penalty of at least €10,000 and automatic confiscation of gear and catch. This provision for automatic confiscation of gear and catch applies only to Irish vessels. Those in charge of foreign vessels tried for the same offence will not face automatic confiscation of gear and catch.

This is despite foreign vessels fishing alongside Irish vessels and catching the majority of fish in Irish waters. The Government nonetheless appears determined to further penalise Irish fishermen by increasing the fines and penalties imposed. If this Bill goes through, the gap between the system here and in other member states will be wider than ever. I cannot understand why Irish fishermen are deserving of such special treatment. This is the same Government which showed its colours by downgrading the word "marine" three years ago. The same Government presides over the break-up of the Department into various ineffective sections. It would make one wonder whether the Government has an interest in the development of the Irish fishing industry.

This pattern is repeating over the years and is the reason the fishing industry finds itself under extreme pressure currently. This Government's vision of our coastal community extends only as far as summer holiday houses for well-off city dwellers. At this rate, the summer will be the only time people will reside in these coastal towns and villages, or partake in traditional industries such as fishing. What plans are being introduced to combat the 7,000 km of illegal gillnets off the Irish coast? These nets are slaughtering small fish 24 hours per day and nothing is being done about it. Will this Bill address these major issues? I feel it will not. I am certain it will badly affect Irish fishermen, however.

Ireland's fishing communities are under pressure from shrinking employment in traditional industries. I have serious reservations that this Bill, as proposed, has the potential to put fishing vessels large and small out of business. It will be another nail in the coffin of coastal communities. There must be a system which imposes sensible sanctions on those who commit fishery offences. A serious offence must receive a serious penalty. This Bill proposes sanctions that are completely unreasonable and unrelated to the European average. I have not seen its like since my election to this House.

I ask the Minister of State, for whom I have the greatest regard in the world, to consider this. As my colleague, Deputy Deenihan, already stated, I feel from the rumours circulating around from Dingle to Castletownbere that the Minister of State is not satisfied with the Bill. I appeal to the Minister of State to stand with the fishermen whom he knows very well and try to improve their lot, which is a bad one. I appeal to the Minister of State to look after these fisherman to the best of his ability.

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