Joe O'Toole (Independent)

We should put our heads together to deal with this problem.

I would like to mention some issues that have been raised. Senator MacSharry spoke yesterday about the various groups which have blocked positive development. There is a case for dealing with such issues. Senators on the Government side raised the possibility of a deeper debate on transport. We should look at the position in Irish life of organisations such as those mentioned by Senator MacSharry which are supported by State funds and often stand in the way of important development.

Senator Kenneally raised the issue of fisheries yesterday. I ask for the Leader's support on this matter. The Deputy Leader is interested in fishing of a different type. When fishing rights were granted to landowners in the last century, an unscrupulous and greedy landowner in the Kenmare area managed, through a process of mealladh, bradadh agus bagairt, to get the Parliament in Westminster to pass an Act which changed the name of the Kenmare estuary to the Kenmare river. This meant that fishing rights from the town of Kenmare to south of the Sceilig were given to an unscrupulous landowner. The legislation is still in place and continues to prevent those involved in the fishing industry from fishing in the area which is not included in the Irish Box or the Shannon rights.

I would like the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to outline the process that needs to be pursued to bring about change, for example, by means of reforming or amending legislation, and to ensure fishing rights in the Kenmare area are restored to the fishing industry. This issue does not involve the European Union as it is something we can address in this House. It is absolutely disgraceful that this has been a problem for many generations. There were many discussions on the issue about ten years ago and I do not know the reason action was not taken at that point. I would like the Minister to indicate how this matter can be addressed in a proper, fair and equitable manner.