Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

This is a co-ordinated approach by the three Kerry Deputies present to highlight a huge injustice. Dingle has traditionally been dependent on fishing and, in recent years, on passenger tourism through yachts and sailing boats coming to the area. The knock-on effect contributes greatly to the economy. In current circumstances, the major downturn in the economy is caused by a lack of spending power. In its stupidity, the Government is trying to take more money out of the community's pocket. It affects not just boat owners on their passenger boats but also the spending this generates through the number of people who travel out to see Fungi. That has been a huge tourist attraction on the west Kerry peninsula since 1994. This decision is taking spending power out of the community and, by doing so, putting more people on the live register. More are condemned to the scourge of emigration. A small amount of common sense is needed.

How can any Minister justify the increase from €2,000 or €2,400 to €8,000 or €9,000? It is an increase of 300% and will take €100 out of each boat every week. One must also bear in mind the major increase in fuel and diesel charges, the increase in insurance charges and the ancillary charges for water and refuse. The Government talks about creating jobs but if it is serious about maintaining jobs, it should revisit this decision. The 2003 order was reasonable. In hard times, the passenger boat people continue to work. There are very few commercial fishermen left in Dingle but they continue to work and they bring money to the local economy. It is ludicrous to take money out of a struggling economy.

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