Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I strongly support the first point Senator Brian Hayes made about the Garda. In recent media discussions on Garda corruption, I made a similar point that there were decent members of the force who risked life and limb for us and the instances to which Senator Hayes referred are classic examples of this. All the mail I received afterward was negative and inquired how I could dare to defend the indefensible. I support the points made by Senator Hayes, while also recognising that there are aspects of the Garda Síochána that we do not accept or support and about which we are concerned.

The House recently discussed the fishing industry at some length. What is happening in Europe today is a disgrace. Our fishermen are being told they can no longer fish in our waters while foreign boats are still allowed to do so. It might be a Christian thing to starve our families while we feed strangers, but it is unacceptable. We are depleting a natural resource and wrecking an industry, culture and jobs. It cannot be allowed to continue. This is the type of decision that gives Europe a bad name. This is not how it should happen and it should not be allowed.