Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)

The Minister spoke of decommissioning the fleet, which has nothing whatsoever to do with my question. I wish to know what short-term suggestions and measures Commissioner Borg proposed. At a meeting yesterday in Athlone, which I attended, the fishermen were militant. They did not discuss decommissioning or the Cawley report, which takes a long-term view of ways to maintain a profitable fishing industry. The fishermen talked about what can be done for them in the next few weeks so that they will not go out of business. These people are in dire financial need. Having examined the matter, I believe the only option is tie-ups and I hope the Minister has discussed the possibility of this measure with Commissioner Borg. I believe this is the only immediate, short-term measure which can save the fishing industry in Ireland.

The Minister in his reply suggested that the introduction of state aid packages was illegal, or that Governments should not adopt such a policy. However, governments are doing this at present. The Spanish Government, as Deputy Penrose said, will do whatever it must in order to save the Spanish fishing industry. It may be illegal but it depends on the way the Spanish Government structures aid and provides it for Spanish fishermen. What short-term measures have been put to Commissioner Borg to save the fleet, before decommissioning and the recommendations of the Cawley report are rolled out? What short-term measures have been proposed to keep fishermen on the water?

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