Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Fianna Fáil will support this motion. The Minister has outlined the benefits of both initiatives. The MARSUR project is of particular interest to me as I believe we have failed to maximise the value of our maritime resources. As the Minister stated, participation in this programme will allow us to gain information about fisheries stock management, as well as the better use of our maritime resources such as wind and wave energy production. Given the extent of our coastline, we have a serious problem with illegal drug importation. Any project that can assist us in tackling this problem must be supported.

The nuclear accident in Japan earlier this year highlighted the type of non-terrorist attack threat posed by natural disasters outside our control. We must ensure Ireland plays its role in European investigation of such events.

Even ten years on from 9/11, chemical weapons are a threat to the world and to Ireland, regardless of its neutrality. It would be criminal for us to decide to distance ourselves from any efforts to tackle this threat.

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