Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

Despite what the Deputies say about their commitment to ensuring there is no illegal activity in the fishing industry, I doubt their sincerity. This Bill is absolutely necessary. It has been made necessary by legal proceedings, the last of which concluded over 12 months ago.

I have been very patient, as has the Department, in bringing forward the Bill, in listening to the concerns expressed and in trying to improve the Bill where genuine concerns could be addressed.

Many of the amendments I tabled and accepted came from this side of the House despite all the huffing and puffing on the far side of the House over the past six months.

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