Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I did not initially intend to speak in this debate. I defer to the far greater knowledge of those who have handled fisheries policy or live in constituencies where fisheries are a major issue. I decided to contribute because it seemed, in the course of the debate, that the Minister, who is now represented by the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, needed more political support than he was getting. I have an admiration for the Minister's willingness, in several capacities and Departments, to take tough, necessary and unpopular decisions. One calls to mind, for example, Part V of the planning and development legislation, which was unfortunately watered down in application by many local authorities. It needs people of courage like the Minister — I have come across some such in the local authorities — to insist legislation is applied and to take on vested interests. Similarly, it was he who took on the issue of the dual mandate, an action that was unpopular with many politicians but correct for our democracy.