Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The mere fact that we are meeting today, giving Deputies from all sides an opportunity to take part in the debate, is an indication of the seriousness of the situation in which the fishing industry finds itself. The Minister and Minister of State, shortly after their appointment, met the Federation of Irish Fishermen, FIF, and made themselves fully au fait with the difficulties. The fact that they met in Athlone for nine hours demonstrates how seriously both sides view the situation.

I would like to talk about the long-term future of the industry. However, we do not have time for that today, nor does the industry have time. If we do not overcome the short-term issues we will not need to think about the industry in the long term. I will not spend time talking about the national development plan and the €42 million it allocates to the fishing industry. There will be no necessity to spend much of that money, aside from decommissioning, if we do not deal with the short-term problems.

I indicated my views on the important issues to the Minister some weeks ago. We should avail of the temporary tie-up aid, which is provided for in the European Fisheries Fund. We need a major initiative to increase the price of fish, controls on fish coming from outside the EU and marketing regulation.

People from Donegal and other maritime counties realise more than most the importance of the fishing industry because coastal areas have no alternative source of employment. The issue of drift-net fishing should be revisited.

I am glad the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 has been mentioned. I hope I will be proven right in my view that it is ludicrous to bring criminal charges for minor offences. We often blame Brussels but in this case Brussels tells us we should have administrative sanctions. However, a change in this legislation would not alleviate the serious situation in which we find ourselves. The issues of discards and administrative sanctions must be dealt with.

I compliment the Minister, Deputy Smith, and the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen. I believe the full support of all Members will go with them to the Council of Ministers next week. I hope they will be successful. Commissioner Borg is a reasonable man, coming from the small island of Malta. I wish the Minister and Minister of State well and thank them for the interest they are taking in this matter. We will all, and particularly those involved in the fishing industry, anxiously await their return.

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