Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue. I agree with Senator Daly that our confidence in the systems around us is not as advanced as one might wish. As we live in a society with advanced telecommunications systems and information technology, we must embrace change and while so doing, we must embrace new technologies. There are obvious benefits to the forthcoming new technologies. For example, coastal areas that rely on coastguard emergency response units or Royal National Lifeboat Institution units cannot live without instantaneous telecommunications systems.

However, the new telecommunications systems also have drawbacks. For example, it has been noted recently that boy racers are able to use technology to anticipate the location of checkpoints. Such challenges posed by the new systems must be considered. Moreover, given the presence in the Chamber this evening of the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy John Browne, Members have a unique opportunity in respect of drift-net fishing. While I do not wish to raise the entire debate again, I refer to poaching. As the Minister of State is aware, advanced telecommunications systems contribute to an extremely healthy and fruitful poaching business. One of the real issues with which Members must contend is that units of sub-aqua professionals are on stand-by, ready to enter rivers to poach and use telecommunication systems to so do.

While I digress from the present debate, I am glad the Minister of State is present because in any debate regarding salmon, a sharp focus should be kept on this matter. However, this aspect was lost in the past couple of weeks. Anecdotal information I received last weekend suggests the operation of a slick, professional poaching outfit. Such poachers do not enter rivers to take 50 or 60 salmon, but to take a couple of hundred salmon and can do so within a few hours. This issue must be addressed.