Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I wish to raise a couple of issues. First, there was a fairly robust debate in the other House yesterday on cancer care services in Cork and the provision of an oncology ward. It transpires this morning, from listening to the manager of Cork University Hospital on the radio, that it is already in hand. Approval has already been given for such an oncology unit and building will commence next year.

Previously I have sought debates on the issue of cancer care. There is a need for a dedicated oncology ward in Waterford as well. We should also debate the transport needs of patients going for radiotherapy treatment.

I ask that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources come to the House to discuss a matter, which is happening year in, year out and about which nothing is done. A few weeks ago I had a difference of opinion with the Commodore of the Naval Service at the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on the way the Naval Service is policing fishing in Irish waters. The herring season has started again. I will give the House one example of what has happened and, as I stated, is replicated year in, year out. The dedicated landing port for herring is Ringaskiddy. I know of one boat that went to the Verolme Dockyard first to land four container loads of herring before sailing to Ringaskiddy to land its quota. That happened under the nose of the Naval Service. It is not the case that nobody knows this is going on, yet nothing is done about it. At the same time, I know of a poor man from my area who had four boxes of herring over the limit and was apprehended. There is not fair play in the system. It is time the matter was resolved. I would like the Minister of State with responsibility for marine affairs to come to the House to discuss the issue.