Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The fact that it appears we will have very little time to discuss the marine planning framework is another attack on the inshore fishermen of west Cork and the rest of the country. It is only right that we get time to debate these issues in a proper manner. I cannot understand why the Taoiseach does not want proper scrutiny in the Dáil. I know the Taoiseach has been attacking the fishermen personally. As soon as he was the temporary Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, he proceeded with the penalty points that kicked the fishermen further in the teeth. It was the same with Brexit. He fell asleep at the wheel on that issue. There is a major issue with regard to the weighing systems relating to catches and Europe is cracking the whip against the Irish fishermen, but the Taoiseach will not even provide a proper amount of time to debate the issue. What is he scared of? Are the inshore fishermen not to be respected in this House? Are ordinary fishermen not to be respected? Are the ordinary users of Irish waters not to be respected? Some parts of the framework may be fine, but it still requires proper discussion in the House. I ask the Taoiseach to step back and, for once, stand up for and stand by the fishermen of west Cork and the remainder of the country, not stand against them as he has continued to do since he took office 12 months ago.

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