Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I understand that a joint committee, on an all-party basis, welcomed the kind of measures Senator Dardis had the courage to outline last week. Can we ask the Minister for State with responsibility in this area, who seems to have more of an eye on his own constituency than on the country's affairs, to come to the House to give us the actual Government position? We must take a position on this issue within the next month so that we can ensure this marvellous resource is kept in this country. Drift netting is a relatively recent phenomenon, having commenced only 25 years ago. Where one of our colleagues, even one from the other side who is causing the Government considerable blushes, has the courage to stand up, he needs our support. I request a debate on this matter.