Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. There is no doubt that agriculture and marine resources have been an important part of the economy over many decades. In particular, they have been vitally important to our coastal communities and responsible for no less than 20,000 jobs nationwide. We need a debate on the current developments within the Irish and European fisheries sector.

I welcome the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, 2002 . I am especially pleased with the rationale behind the Bill and believe that the instruments in it will ensure a more fair and equitable fishing environment and a more sustainable industry.

The Bill fulfils a number of important functions. One of the most important aspects is the establishment of an independent statutory appeals process for the licensing of sea fishing boats. Previous legislation in this area includes the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, which provided comprehensive new licensing procedure for aquaculture activities and the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1999, which brought significant changes to the structure, management and organisation of the Irish fishing industry. The provisions of the Bill are a welcome addition as they represent a streamlined and more accessible version of these Acts.

The Minister has introduced genuine improvements in licensing procedures. Proper licensing is essential in any industry and this Bill ensures that the system remains fair to all. People with genuine cases which might have been rejected now have an opportunity to appeal such decisions. This is a welcome development and one which is consistent with the wishes of the industry and the promises made in the programme for Government.

The appeals system is modelled on the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. In this way the fishing industry is provided with an example from which it can learn, but one hopes that it will operate more effectively and efficiently than the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, with adequate representation of the various fishing organisations. The Bill sets out the principles of the provisions for making appeals, including the co-ordination of written submissions and oral hearings and an advanced system of public notification, including electronic publication. Overall, I am certain that such a system will benefit all involved as it ensures the efficient and cost effective management of a fair appeals process.