Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls for a debate on marine issues and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to come to the House. I did not believe this subject was of great interest to other Members, but I am now the fifth person to have raised it this morning. I am delighted that there is such an awareness in the House about the issue. I ask for a general discussion on marine matters because of the proposal regarding the 50 mile limit. Because I come from an area which includes one of the major fishing ports, Dunmore East, I realise how serious an impact this could have, particularly with Spanish trawlers coming in. They are already fishing in our waters and fishing stocks are being decimated. I ask for a debate on issues such as the policing of fishing waters and proper recording of catches.