Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, and wish him well in his portfolio. In his contribution the Minister of State said we are one of three countries which has not ratified this agreement. Is this agreement being rushed or is there some reason the other countries have agreed it? Do they consider they are getting more from it than we are?

As most speakers have said, conservation measures are necessary. Senator Kenneally said it is clear when conservation measures are adopted and one stops fishing, the stocks return fairly rapidly. Most Senators would agree with that. I support the Bill and wish it a quick passage through the House.

It is important to maintain the size of the Irish fleet. Senator Norris referred to the massive ships which act like hoovers, taking up fish stocks which are processed on the boat. Do we need that type of fishing in the European market? Would we not be better off, as Senator Norris said, with smaller fishing fleets where there would be more jobs, more boats and more employed? He posed a good question. While it is important to maintain the size of the Irish fishing fleet, it will not be easy because some of it is uneconomic.

Senator Daly made a very important point about tonnage. The Minister of State should explain to Members, although perhaps not today, the issues relating to tonnage, which are a bone of contention among the majority of fishermen. Perhaps he will elaborate on this when summing up. Every Senator agrees that it is essential to maintain the Irish Box. I agree with Senator Daly that when we entered the Common Market, fishing was a very small industry here. Senator O'Toole alluded to the fact – it has always mystified me – that during the Famine so many people died right around the coastline when the sea was full of fish. In Achill and all along the west coast there are deserted villages which date from Famine times, and it amazes me that they could not or did not fish to save themselves from starvation.