Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Thank you. I thought I had a bit more time. I am not saying malpractice should not be investigated, but I am querying the criminal context. Could these matters not be dealt with at an administrative level? There is no lack of regulation and powers in the fisheries sector. Who decided or recommended this course of action? I am not criticising the gardaí, who are merely doing their job, but the Government's sense of priorities in choosing to deal with the matter in the manner it did. Is there evidence of a similar line taken with regard to fisheries offences in other EU countries? Is the Irish situation unique?

I am concerned about the handling of this situation and the cloud it has thrown over the whole fishing industry. It is a proud and decent community and I had the privilege of knowing many members during the eight years I was a member of the Dingle harbour board. I urge sensitivity and balance in the conduct of the investigation and that the overall factors which led to it be given due consideration at the appropriate time.

The Government has turned its back on fishing, fishermen and coastal communities. It seems to have decided fishing is a sunset industry, rather than a vital part of the fabric of the Irish economy in particular coastal peripheral communities. It is more concerned with broadband and sexy communications issues. The Government has relegated responsibility for the marine from a frontline Cabinet position to a semi-junior fiefdom and is in a hurry to send it to the far reaches of County Cork. In saying that I am not criticising Clonakilty. However, there is a sense of out of sight and out of mind. I have paid the Minister a compliment. He is a man of experience and vision, but I worry about the support he gets at Government level.

The fishing industry was never at a lower ebb and in spite of all the prophets of doom, it could be a vast and renewable resource generating jobs and wealth far into the future. It is not good enough for the Government to bury its head in the sand or blame Brussels. It is the responsibility of the Government to support and promote Irish fishing interests in a positive, aggressive and competent manner, something it has thus far failed to do.