Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to participate in this debate. I have been in the House for a long time and this may be the first occasion on which fisheries issues have been dealt with by way of Private Members' business. This is an indication of the seriousness of the position. Over many years since 1973, and since 1983 in particular, difficulties have been experienced on a continual basis. While they have been overcome, the price of fuel now has tilted the balance.

I compliment both the Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, and the Minister of State, Deputy Tony Killeen, on their initiative in travelling to a meeting in Strasbourg after their marathon meeting with the representatives of the industry in Athlone but in advance of the recent Fisheries Council meeting. I understand a package of measures will be presented by Commissioner Borg to the fisheries Ministers on 15 July, which may alleviate some short-term pressing issues. I seek the rapid implementation of such short-term measures as unless the Commission approves them, a very serious situation will confront us. I am hopeful in this regard and have confidence in both Ministers, who have had a handle on an extremely difficult brief from an early stage and who understand the issues and problems confronting them. A package of measures should be approved by the Commission for Ireland in particular, although I realise the Commission must deal with all of Europe. These issues affect all member states across the European Union.

Were a package of measures to be agreed, everyone, including the Ministers above all, would want them to be financed by the European Commission. However, if co-funding from the member states is required, such funding must be provided.

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