Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Exactly, but it is all just talk. I, like Deputy Eamon Ryan, cannot see why we cannot gather real-time information and check ships in and out of Irish waters, given the existence of modern communications. We must begin searching for such a solution. Whatever has been achieved in recent months, we have an obligation to our coastal communities to ensure that a pan-European regime is implemented and that our Naval Service and Department will ruthlessly invigilate foreign fleets. It is a farce at the moment.

According to the distinguished journalist, Arthur Quinlan, one could seriously estimate that the monetary value of the fish taken out of our waters since 1973 has been greater than all other contributions received by us through channels like the Social Development and Cohesion Funds. This is a phenomenal state of affairs, particularly since much of it was apparently ex-quota and over and above limits set by the Common Fisheries Policy. These amendments are appropriate. The Minister would create a sensation if he adopted one of them but it is possibly the kind of step we need to take.

See this speech in context