Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

As Fianna Fáil spokesperson for marine issues, I am delighted so many Members referred to the fisheries industry. It is important that this issue is raised in as many fora as possible to show our neighbours in Europe how concerned we are about it. Fishermen in this country are facing a serious situation. A couple of weeks ago we sent our best wishes to the Minister in his negotiations on the Common Fisheries Policy and we should reiterate those wishes today. It has again been proven how difficult a job he faces. Unfortunately, he had no choice in doing what he did yesterday in relation to the closing of certain fisheries but it makes a nonsense of the quota system that Ireland has exhausted its quota. Perhaps it is an historic mistake.