David Norris (Independent)

I want the new Minister of State to attend the House as soon as possible and I wish to give the reason. The previous Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, contradicted things I said and gave assurances they were not so, yet these very things are included in a letter by Dr. T.K.Whitaker to The Irish Times. If my opinion is not respected, at least his will be. The letter stated that the Department's quota system enabled it to limit the annual catch of wild salmon in line with scientific advice on conservation requirements, a responsibility it has failed to discharge. Dr.Whitaker said that if this is not done it will lead to the extinction of our salmon stocks.