Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

I thank Deputy Breeda Moynihan-Cronin and the Minister of State for sharing time.

It is appropriate that we sympathise again with the families in the Kilmore Quay area who have suffered so grievously over recent weeks. I thank the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Naval Service, the local community and other individuals involved in the search in recent weeks. The tragedy demonstrates the difficulty associated with the daily work of fishermen.

What is the rationale behind this Bill? It appears there is no humanity in it and that its drafters must have no knowledge or experience of the fishing industry and the difficulties posed in terms of weather, finances and labour. Many backbenchers have very serious difficulties with the Bill and, as with Opposition Members, they have been asking the Minister of State either to withdraw it or make serious changes thereto.

The most telling contribution on the Bill by a Government backbencher was by the former Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Walsh. In the House last week, he gave a very effective and comprehensive critique of the measures in the Bill. The Minister of State and Department would be advised to take on board many of Deputy Walsh's criticisms because they are echoed throughout the House on both Opposition benches and Government backbenches.

It is very difficult to understand why this legislation is being introduced, why it is effectively being rushed through the House and why it is so severe and lacking in humanity. As we all know, rushed legislation is almost always very bad legislation. In this regard, we have only to remember the nursing homes legislation which was declared unconstitutional. It would be worthwhile if the Minister of State withdrew this Bill and reconsidered it.

It is true that serious issues arise regarding fish stocks off our shores. Many fish types have been harvested unsustainably over the years and there is no doubt in anybody's mind that this must be dealt with. However, this Bill reminds me of the adage about using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. There is a human side to the fishing industry that does not appear to be acknowledged in the legislation.

The Bill will criminalise fishermen for very minor fishery offences, thus giving them criminal records. If this occurs, they will find it impossible to travel to the United States, for instance. We will clog up the courts with cases in this regard. Many of the offences should be dealt with on an administrative basis, as is the case in other EU member states. The Bill should be withdrawn and redrafted and the views of the Opposition and the very many Government backbenchers who have spoken about its difficulties should be taken on board.

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