Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We now have an integrated maritime plan for Ireland. We have just concluded an Atlantic strategy under the Irish Presidency, which is a first. We now have a partnership with the United States and Canada. We have a Commissioner who has done a phenomenal job in generating interest in the potential for marine resources as an economic stimulus in the European Union and Ireland in particular. It is totally untrue to say that because I have been busy since January in my dual responsibilities of agriculture and fisheries and the marine, we have not delivered for either fishermen or the marine. Quite the opposite has been the case. I suggest that Deputy Martin should speak to more fishermen, many of whom are concerned about the radical nature of this reform but all of whom accept that it is not before time that we are doing something significant about ending discards in terms of EU policy. I recognise that we will face challenges in implementing the policy, but we will deal with it over the next five to ten years and as a result of it we will be able to catch more fish and have a stronger and growing industry.

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