Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy O'Gorman for raising this issue. The Taoiseach, the Minister for agriculture and the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, are very much aware of the importance of the issue raised by the Deputy. The reason the Taoiseach went to the aforementioned conference in the first place was to highlight the personal interest he has in this issue and the Government's commitment to do more in this area. Our marine life, our oceans and our seas are such a precious economic and natural asset. I am informed that the Government has no such plans in relation to this legislation at the moment. As far as I am aware, it is still in our legislative programme. I will refer the comments the Deputy made to the relevant Department but my understanding is that the legislation is still on our programme to be brought forward to both the Dáil and the Seanad.

See this speech in context