Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Deputy Perry has only to ring the Irish or Scottish authorities to find out about the several hundred million fish sitting in the illegal hidden tank. This information is as much a part of the public domain as it needs to be.

The Minister of State claims that we have complied with all the various regulations. Does he not acknowledge that our scientists stated in a committee this year that they no longer believe the figures used for quotas under the Common Fisheries Policy, which is the most fundamental and important system? The scientists do not believe the figures because they do not believe the reporting. As the Minister pointed out earlier this year, the system is characterised by widespread illegal landings, overfishing and disregard for conservation measures.

It became clear from the dealings we had earlier this year that the only system on which scientists believe sustainable policies can be based is one involving immediate reporting of catching and landing of quotas. I understand the French Government is seeking the introduction of such a system and that it has already been raised at European level. Will the Minister of State inform the House when this system will be introduced? If immediate recording of stocks and landings is not introduced, the system will encourage corrupt and illegal fishing and the widespread cleaning of our seas.

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