Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

The Criminal Justice Bill 2007 is trumpeted by the Minister as his answer to gangland crime. It is extraordinary that in the middle of it are proposals to further criminalise those involved in the fishing industry. They resent the juxtaposition that arises from their being associated with gangland crime and they have a point. The notion of equating the committing of an offence by a person who may have exceeded his or her EU fish quota with offences committed by those involved in gangland crimes and drug trafficking is unacceptable.

The criminalisaton of the fishing community by Government by way of the enforcement of these provisions bears no relationship to the type of technical offences committed. Currently, the sea fisheries protection officers out-number those involved in the national drugs squad, which is crazy. The national drugs squad comprises approximately 50 members, not its full complement. Yet, we have 54 sea fisheries protection officers including 35 current members and the recruitment of 19 new officers. This is a crazy way of enforcing our laws. The Minister may respond saying the national drugs squad is assisted by many members from different divisions around the country who also deal specifically with drug crimes. That is a fair point until one completes the comparison. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, the 54 sea fisheries protection officers to which I refer, all 13,000 Garda, all permanent members of the Defence Forces not below the rank of leading seaman and all Customs and Excise officers, working on behalf of Revenue, are classified as sea fisheries protection officers. The fishing community resents being lumped in by way of this legislation with gangland criminals and drug traffickers given many of the offences committed are technical in nature and should never reach the Criminal Court.

Amendment No. 143 seeks to address the point in respect of an attempt to commit an offence. My argument will be reinforced by my colleague, Deputy McGinley, who also comes from a maritime constituency.

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