Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I pay tribute to the sub-committee on salmon drift netting, draft netting and angling, under the chairmanship of Deputy O'Flynn and represented by Senator Kenneally and others, for its report on salmon drift netting. I only wish it were a matter of simply finding the funding for compensatory measures to resolve this problem. If it was as simple as that, we would be living in utopia.

However, as many Members pointed out, it is not as simple as that. One can get the impression little has been done when in fact much has been done over the last several years. Earlier this year at the end of a three year process, the scientists involved changed their methodology from a 50% risk assessment to 75% risk assessment, which resulted in these changes. Socio-economic factors were also taken into account. Leaving these aside, funding of X million euro, when it is decided, must be distributed in an equitable manner to all those involved by the National Salmon Commission, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, BIM or the fisheries boards. Some claim I favour the drift netters as there are so many of them in County Donegal. There are only 140 out of 800 as no one in Donegal, like the rest of the country, can survive solely on the income earned from drift netting. The activity is supplementing other income.

Senator Norris suggested that Senator Mansergh, after he left the Chamber, should do another doctorate, this time in microbiology. All other Members made genuine contributions. As for Senator Norris, it would be hilarious if it was not so serious. He does not need to get a PhD himself on this matter but at least he should get his facts right. To show how ludicrous his contribution was, he will tell me tomorrow how much salmon seals consume each year. It makes me remember on an occasion when salmon had escaped from a fish farm cage, an individual declared that we would not stop until every salmon was retrieved. This is going from the sublime to the ridiculous. Senator Norris's contribution was funny but this is a serious matter.

It is said that I should take a courageous decision and ban salmon drift netting now. When the history of this matter is written, it will show that such a decision would be wrong. The National Salmon Commission is representative of all stakeholders. Last Saturday in Killarney, I met those representing the commercial sector. I discussed with them the necessity for balance and to recognise the important role played by the angling tourism sector. I, along with the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, received a letter from the Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now campaigners. When I explained the National Salmon Commission would examine it, I was told the commission was too balanced. We cannot discriminate positively or negatively. The commission must examine this matter. If I was to take the decision on a ban now, the criticism would be all the greater.

In Galway next week, the chairman of the National Salmon Commission will meet representatives of the Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now group and the drift net association. This is the right approach to the issue. All representatives on the commission are serious about this and are anxious to examine all reports, including the one prepared by Senator Dardis. Some bodies claim they are not represented on the commission. Unfortunately there was not enough space for all. One cannot put the pint into the half pint bottle. However, those groups will have an opportunity to make their views known to the commission, either orally or in written submission.

There is much talk about compensatory measures. However, this is not the responsibility of the State alone. Many of those who will benefit from a ban, such as those in private fisheries, have said they will make a contribution to the measures. It would be wrong of the Government alone to provide this funding. I have no hang-up on this issue. There are many in County Donegal who are anxious for the introduction of a buyout or set-aside scheme. Legally, it is not compulsory for the Government to provide one cent for a buyout. If a Minister believes such a measure must be introduced in the interests of conservation, he is entitled to do so. However, there are moral considerations in this. Whether one is an angler or a commercial fisherman, this is part of our heritage.

I am not carrying any baggage on this issue. As I said at my party's Ard-Fheis, the only baggage I have is that I am a Donegal man. Please God, I will carry that until the end of my days. I want to be fair and all sides to be treated equitably. Compensatory measures must be financed by those who will benefit from a ban. I am not sure what percentage was stated would be paid by other interests. However, we must first establish what it will cost. As the custodians of the fisheries, we must ensure they are there for future generations.

One Member suggested we may never have wild salmon on restaurant menus again. Many in the industry have produced farmed salmon that compares favourably with wild salmon. However, one should not replace the other. If we can work with scientists, we can have a sustainable fishery.

Senator Daly pointed out that we are not concentrating much on the spawning grounds. We must also concentrate on poaching, pollution and seals. It has been intimated that I condoned what happened to seals in County Kerry last year when I actually condemned it.

This is not the end of the issue of drift netting. We are coming towards a decision. I will not be the one standing in the way of expediting what is in the best interest of all involved.