Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I acknowledge the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Ahern's, participation with the delegation from Donegal after Christmas. I also acknowledge his honesty. A few blunt instruments have been used in regard to Donegal due to the fact that perhaps things were based on anecdotal evidence as opposed to scientific data.

I will not use this opportunity as a launching pad to say what should or what could have done right. The reality is Donegal fishermen have lost out in this deal. I also acknowledge the lobby groups, the Greencastle fishermen and the Killybegs Fishermen's Association, and the proactive work they have done and the in-depth knowledge they have in relation to fishing in that part of the world.

I propose December as a milestone in regard to fishing in Donegal and throughout the country. The nine day rule will be reviewed in December and things will not change if there are no scientific data to prove some type of proactive measurement or a proactive management plan. I will not go through the nuts and bolts of the nine day rule which has been ploughed through almost to such an extent that it has exhausted many people.