John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

One would hope this is not so and that the reason for the transfer is to give us a better fishing industry but clarification is required on that point. While I can see some merit in such an amalgamation, surely an integrated body like BIM, with decades of experience in developing the fishing industry from catching fish to marketing them, represents the best option for maximising jobs and profits in the sector. Will the Minister of State say whether these views are well founded or are members of the industry being overly alarmist? They point to the fact that the Government began by getting rid of their Department and now it is effectively getting rid of the fisheries development agency. Perhaps the Minister of State could shed some light on these most recent rumours.

Once again, I congratulate the Minister of State on the success of recent days. I apologise for my lack of detailed knowledge of the fishing industry but when issues such as these come to one's attention it serves everyone's interest to ask questions about them. Sometimes innocent questions from someone with no vested interest can result in greater clarity. Some people in the industry are very concerned and they would welcome the Minister of State's views on the points I have raised.