Seanad debates
Thursday, 23 March 2006
Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Report and Final Stages.
1:00 pm
Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)
I understand the need to legislate for all ills. Recently, a councillor from the south suffered a wrathful response for asking that a special dispensation be granted to an old man who drove his tractor to the pub for two pints. There has to be a level playing field because legislation cannot be passed to allow some people to drink two pints, while prohibiting others from doing the same.
We are at a crucial stage in terms of the future of the fishing industry. Some within the industry have flouted the law but they are a small minority. As a result of their wrongdoing, the fishermen who operate within the law are being punished.
Concerns arise with regard to the watchdog system. Calls have been made by gardaĆ for a right of independent appeal with regard to decisions made by the Ombudsman. I hope we can devise mechanisms so that law-abiding fishermen do not suffer at the hands of an overly-zealous enforcement system. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources needs such a watchdog mechanism and, while the Minister is ultimately responsible, he does not have eyes in the back of his head. I hope he can devise mechanisms to protect the fishermen who work within the confines of the law, as well as enforcement officers.
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