Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Last night my colleagues, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, and the Minister of State, Deputy Trevor Sargent, set out clearly the issues facing the fishing industry. They outlined progress made and detailed measures we intend taking to resolve the outstanding problems.

I am heartened by some of the constructive suggestions that have come from all sides of the House, notwithstanding some predictable point scoring. It has been a well-informed debate with an acknowledgment of current fiscal realities and the historical constraints that beset the fishing industry.

Our ministerial predecessors with the fisheries portfolio established the seafood strategy review group under the chairmanship of Dr. Noel Cawley to restructure and develop the industry. The Cawley strategy, Steering a New Course, was launched in January 2007. Dr. Cawley also agreed to chair an implementation group of all relevant stakeholders, including the Federation of Irish Fishermen, FIF, to bring forward delivery of the report's recommendations. This ensures that, at a time when the industry is experiencing extreme difficulties, we have an excellent blueprint to help it develop in a sustainable, profitable and self-reliant way for all participants.

Since taking over the portfolio, the Minister, Deputy Smith, and I have had several meetings with the FIF. An introductory meeting on 29 May addressed the fuel crisis and other general issues. There was a nine-hour meeting in Athlone on 13 June——

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