Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to discuss an issue of national importance and concern, namely, the fact that 80 fishing vessels are currently tied up as a result of the Government's refusal to issue fishing licences. This is mainly due to a shortage of marine survey officers, which meant that over one third of the Irish fishing fleet over 15 m in length was unable to complete the survey in order to comply with health and safety regulations. Some were also unable to secure bank loans to assist with the survey and now have no income, with each boat having approximately four crew members who are now on the live register with owners unable to secure job seeker's allowance. The result is that communities are suffering job losses and this is adding hardship to an already depressed sector. There is a need for the Minister to explain why other EU states have adopted a different approach to their fishing industries.

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