David Norris (Independent)

A previous speaker from this side of the House was chastised for being partisan and political but I hope I will not. I hope what I have to say, which will be critical, will be seen to be founded on clear, scientific evidence and not as politically partisan. I have no reason to be partisan.

To give an example, I was extraordinarily impressed by the contribution of Senator Dardis. He spoke from the Government benches with clarity, the real passion of a committed fisherman and with honesty. That was most important. He made clear what he believed should be the solution. With regard to Senator Mansergh's contribution, one listens to people of a party political persuasion, sometimes with a degree of amusement, when they talk about the easy political choice and what is most popular with voters, as if political parties on one side of the House were immune from this. Of course, they are not. There is a political element in this debate and I accept that.

Senator Mansergh spoke about the rights of the fishermen but soon there will be no fish left anyway. That is the situation we face. The Minister said that the Government has accepted the scientific advice. That is too little, too late. According to Deputy Eamon Ryan, the Minister of State ignored scientific advice and issued a quota for 150,000 fish but only 100,000 were caught. There were insufficient numbers of fish. Salmon stocks are obviously reduced.