Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Senator Daly raised the issue I intended to discuss. When the matter was mentioned at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, an urgent discussion on it was requested. The recent revelations are a matter of great concern for those involved in aquaculture, which is a growth industry in this country. Some people were identified in the course of the RTÉ programme and some of the issues that were identified were highly irregular. I am aware that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is conducting an investigation into the matter. The revelations will damage the aquaculture industry. We need to ask if a standard of ethics applies when directors are appointed to committees that deal with the marine industry. I would like this matter to be examined by the Minister.

I would also like to express my views about the national car test. I know there is an emphasis on safety matters, but everybody is aware of the concerns that have been expressed about the high NCT failure rate since the introduction of the test. I am sure all Senators are aware that people pay a great deal of money to maintain their cars in order to ensure that they conform with the guidelines and pass the test. Having spent a great deal of money to prepare for the test, many people are bitterly disappointed when their cars fail for what appear to be very minor reasons.