Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. Without the fishermen everything else falls. There is much suspicion among those actively fishing, particularly given the way they have been treated over the past 30 years and in the recent past. The contact I have with the organisations is also one of suspicion and worry that if the submissions to develop the industry of those who fish day and night while at risk from the elements do not take precedence over everything else, the Minister will achieve nothing. I want the Minister of State to give an assurance here that their submissions will be afforded the considerations to which they are entitled.

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