Dáil debates

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction (Fixed Penalty Notice) (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage

 

6:00 am

Photo of Seán ConnickSeán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I accept that in bringing forward this Bill, Deputy Jim O'Keeffe and Fine Gael's thinking was based on best intentions. However, the potential impacts, if it were introduced, are in my estimation not positive for the conservation of fish stocks or for the coastal communities dependent on fishing.

I believe that all in this House want to see a strong and vibrant fishing industry that supports employment in our fishing fleet, fish handling, processing and ancillary activities in our coastal communities. I am fully committed to supporting this industry which delivers employment and economic activity to many of the regions where there are few alternative income generation activities. The Irish sea fisheries sector is almost totally dependent on healthy fish stocks in Ireland's 200 mile exclusive fisheries zone. As set down in the explanatory memorandum to the Bill, fish stocks in our zone are at historically low levels. It is, therefore, imperative that actions taken focus on measures to stop the decline and rebuild these fish stocks.

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