Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is an unfair system and I do not like to see that smile on the face of the Minister. We are talking about people who are out on the sea. Their lives are in danger most of the time, while they are trying to eke a very difficult living, dealing with the elements most of the time. It is wrong to think that small infringements by these people will be dealt with via a statutory instrument. He should bring legislation through this House in order that we can all see what he is doing. Why does he not do that? Why is he beholden to Europe, which is not always on our side? This will affect everyone, down to the smallest operator. A tribunal, where a lesser standard of proof is required, is proposed to incriminate people and penalise them. That is my gripe with what the Minister is doing. He is very close to Castletownbere, Dingle, Cahirciveen and all those places.

I am amazed that the Minister is taking this high-handed action to deal with all the hard-working people whose lives are in danger most of the days they are out at sea. There are regulations requiring them to attend within a number of days. The number of days must be extended to give them a chance to defend themselves.

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