Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I understand that, but the Bill was introduced in 2017 and it is now 2023. I think the Minister will appreciate that, while he can say many positive things have happened, many negative ones have happened as well. Our islands are dying, as all the reports that have emerged over the decades have shown. The populations have decreased and decreased and opportunities for people to make a livelihood on the islands are essential. This legislation will go some way towards doing that.

Today is the final day the Dáil will sit before the recess, and the Minister is saying he is going to revert shortly. I think it was last February when we first got a response stating he intended to revert to the committee shortly on this legislation. We need to get action on this. Continually kicking it down the road is simply unconscionable for the people who live on the islands and the fishing community. We are not talking about people who are out to make a fortune; they just want to make a living. It is an issue also of safety. If they are given the opportunity, they can safely operate their vessels. At the moment, they are out there, trying very hard to make a living, but they do not have the opportunity to do so. They are restricted with quota and in all kinds of manners, and very often fishermen go out on their own, which is very dangerous. We need to put something in place that will deliver for them. It will not cost the Government anything. We are not talking about grants or supports here. We are talking about giving people an opportunity to make a living from fishing, as they have done for centuries.

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