Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I would like a debate on the fishing industry with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern. While I realise he has probably been in this House more than any other Minister in recent months, it has been to debate his communications brief. It is important to have a debate on fisheries. A new licensing regime was put in place last week which has been welcomed by many people. It has removed much uncertainty for fishermen who could not get a licence and whose fishing boats have been tied up for the past five to seven months. However, others do not agree with the licensing regime. Perhaps it would be useful to debate the issue in the House, particularly as there is an important Fisheries Council meeting in December.