Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I am absolutely delighted. Many people approached members of Fine Gael over the past three or four years regarding issues and concerns they have relating to the marine industry, which are not being addressed. I acknowledge the Taoiseach's appointment of Deputy Gallagher to the marine portfolio. Fisheries present a major challenge. Senator Daly is correct that inland fisheries is an issue. However, there are many issues in this industry and the Minister of State did not respond appropriately to the sea-angling issue. This not only involves dolphin watching; private entrepreneurs in Donegal are taking German and Dutch tourists on sea-angling trips off their own bat. The issue is the need for a comprehensive marine strategy, not the provision of grants.

We have raised the tentacles of Government Members in regard to the marine industry. I recall when I was a teacher I accused a young lad of not doing his homework in front of the class. His father had called me that morning to say he had not done it. The young lad lost the head when I confronted him and he went bloody mad. Similarly, when I accused the Government of not doing its homework on the marine industry, Senator MacSharry lost the head and went absolutely berserk.