Seanad debates

Tuesday, 24 June 2003

Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2002 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages.

 

The issues the Minister of State has touched upon in the amendments are all welcome. The only question I would raise concerns charges. Charges are never welcome for an industry. If media reports of the last few days are anything to go by, the industry has been taken by surprise by the level of increase in charges. The Minister says they are necessary to meet the cost of administration, which we know has gone up at every level over the last number of years. The extent of charges has not matched the increase in the cost of administration. The other amendments which deal with the issues of sustainability, accountability and openness in the licensing process are to be welcomed. The amendments have improved the Bill and I wish the legislation every success. I hope it will enhance and improve the whole process within the industry.

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