David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I commend Deputy Creed on the introduction of this important motion, as recognised by a number of Deputies. There is agreement across the House that this is an important industry that is under severe pressure. I wish to talk about illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, commonly referred to as IUU fishing. I note the proposal for a Council regulation establishing a Community system to prevent, detect and eliminate such fishing. This measure will address the high incidence of illegal fishing and will tackle the marketing of fish and fishery products acquired through illegal fishing. It will mean that all fishery products will have a certificate proving they have been caught and imported to the Community legally. The measure has an international focus and aims to remove illegal products from the market. The problem is that it will not come into force until 2010, almost two years away. Do the Ministers opposite have any interim measures to step up controls to combat illegal fishing and illegal importing of such products into Ireland and into the Community? What more will be done in this area? This is important.

A fisherman told me recently that what he wants is the maintenance of the industry in Ireland and the labelling of fish caught in Irish waters, so that if fish are caught elsewhere and brought to Ireland people will recognise that. A fish caught in Icelandic waters would be labelled accordingly.

Many speakers have alluded to the criminalisation of Irish fishermen. I understand we are almost unique in the European Union in this regard. Surely if other countries have not gone down this road, we must ask the question of why we have done so. The Minister has a responsibility to revisit this issue and to implement changes. The current situation is wrong. In my area, which includes the three ports of Cobh, Ballycotton and Youghal, the fishermen are under terrible pressure. I have a question for the Minister in this regard which he might address later. I understand the Government's amendment to the motion commends the Minister on attempting to secure an EU-funded package of measures which will be made known on 15 July. If this EU-funded package includes permission for state aid, can the Minister give a commitment that the Exchequer will be in a position to extend such aid to Irish fishermen?

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