Senator Minihan raised a number of issues. The Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 2003, in line with the programme for Government, has introduced a new open transparent licensing process. In line with the requirements of the Act and with a new EU fleet policy, a new open transparent licensing policy is being put in place in consultation with the fishing industry. There is general support in the fishing industry for the long awaited reform of the licensing process. There was wide cross-party support for the reform process under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act when it was discussed in both Houses of the Oireachtas.