Fishermen, because of the increase in inflation and interest rates, could not pay their way. Most fishermen were bankrupt at the time. Soon after we joined the Community, a rescue package was brought in to try to save the industry from extinction. The people who say we sold out to the EEC should know that this is the reality. We got derogations for ten years because of the policies operated by the Community at the time we joined. In addition, the Irish quotas were based on the traditional pattern of fishing. Under the Hague agreement, mentioned by Senator MacSharry, we got an acknowledgment from the Community of the need to take special measures to double the Irish catch. The EEC put £50 million into the Irish fishing industry within the first ten years. Those people who glibly criticise the EU should study the history of Irish fishing and see the contribution made by the EEC in management, conservation, protection of stocks and funding for development of harbours and piers.