Sustainable fish stocks are essential if the Irish fishing industry is to have any future. I welcome the Bill as it aims to conserve our fish stocks, while at the same time establishing a fair enforcement system. This Bill aims to grant to the relevant authorities the powers to board and search all fishing boats, both Irish and international. Nobody can deny that, given the number of non-Irish sea fishing boats in our waters, such powers would be invaluable in ensuring that catch levels are not exceeding European quotas. The penalties proposed for breaches of regulations are justified and fair. Fines, forfeitures of boats and fishing gear and even convictions are warranted. These penalties are necessary to guarantee that such breaches will no longer occur.