Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I have been amazed by the debate on this Bill, particularly by the contributions of Fianna Fáil Deputies. I know they have been at the receiving end of criticism from fishermen in their constituencies who are totally opposed to the Bill.

The Labour Party is opposed to a number of sections and provisions of this Bill. We do, however, welcome some of its provisions. The manner in which the Bill was presented to the Opposition was very shabby. Normally, spokespersons are provided with briefing documents when a Bill is brought forward, but unfortunately this did not happen on this occasion. The Bill was presented in a rush after an acrimonious Fianna Fáil meeting.

The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, appears to have no interest in the marine industry. I feel sorry for the Minister of State, whom I believe has a genuine interest and understanding of the fishing industry. I feel his heart is not in this Bill and I compliment him on being so supportive of fishermen. He comes from a constituency like mine, Kerry South, where fishing is very important.

When speaking on this Bill we must realise how many people are employed in the areas where fishing is a major industry, such as Dingle in my constituency. More than 10,000 people are directly involved in the industry and they have approximately 30,000 dependants. Many shops and other businesses depend on the industry. If the industry is damaged any further, those concerned will discover there are very few alternative employment opportunities in the areas in question. The Minister of State will agree that this is the case in his constituency. The fishing industry is very important to small places such as Baile na nGall, which is west of Dingle, where fishing and small farming are part of the culture. We need to support those involved.

I remember Deputy Broughan telling me that representatives of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources went to Killybegs earlier in the year and were struck by statements of local fishermen to the effect that Irish fisheries should be viewed as sustainable sunrise industries rather than viewed constantly as sunset industries in terminal decline. This Bill, if it passes in its present form, will not be of any help.

The representatives of the fisheries sector were very reasonable in their approach to this legislation and in setting out what they wanted from it. One issue that arose concerned the independence of the seafood control managers. Will the Minister be able to answer questions in the House on this issue? Deputies in Opposition constantly get letters from the Ceann Comhairle in respect of matters they raise, to the effect that the matters are not the responsibility of the Minister. The Ceann Comhairle has no option but to send such letters and there is no accountability to the House. Will the seafood control managers, when appointed, operate like An Bord Pleanála such that Members will not be able to question their work or raise relevant concerns on the floor of the House? Will the Minister of State answer this when making his contribution?

I am very disappointed in the Bill. Communities of fishermen along the west coast and in my constituency of Kerry South are very concerned because, even at this stage, they are struggling. Many of them are on their knees and they hoped this Bill would bring them some solace and support. I hope the Labour Party amendments to the Bill will be deemed acceptable by many of the Fianna Fáil Members who also have concerns.

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