The threat to the Irish Box by the intrusion of the Spanish fishing industry is outrageous. Given that the fishing industry was underdeveloped in 1973 when we joined Europe it is true to say that that was when it took off. Unfortunately, the industry was so small that on day one our bargaining position, the platform on which we based our negotiations for a deal, was far too low. That is the way it was and that is what was inherited. This is not a criticism of successive Ministers for the Marine because I have watched all shades go out and do their best. Consequently Irish fishermen have never had available to them fishing rights in proportion to the amount of coastline or fishing area which would be described as "Irish". That is the problem.