Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The word "shortly" is not satisfactory. This is a complete debacle, leaving aside the fact that there are criminal proceedings over the penalty system. It is unacceptable and exceptional in the European context that we have two types of punishment system. We are obliged under EU law to bring in a fair penalty system, but this has been going on since 2012, in which year we were put under an obligation. In 2014, the statutory instrument was struck down by the courts and the one introduced in 2016 was never operational because it was not fit for purpose either. Here we are in 2017 and the Minister is telling us he will shortly introduce a statutory instrument. I would like to know when. What consultation has there been with fishermen? What changes have been made? Are the fishermen the Minister has consulted happier with the new system?

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