Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I have only just started but I will finish. If it is true President Sarkozy has done a sweetheart deal with French fishermen regarding subsidising fuel, this Government should consider that closely as well. We cannot let the French fishing industry be subsidised in such fashion, particularly with the cost of fuel now. We are extremely lucky the dollar is weak, although the price of oil is going through the roof. We are fortunate the euro is maintaining a strong position against the dollar.

I have read the Cawley report but perhaps I missed this point. What has been done with regard to environmental and global warming, or has any analysis been undertaken? As a coastal person I am worried about the impact of global warming on fish species and stocks. Is it possible to monitor it? I have no doubt the waters around Ireland have warmed by 2° or 3° in the last decade or two. What is the effect and will it mean some of the stocks will move north to cooler waters, causing other problems? Perhaps the fish preferring warmer water in the Bay of Biscay and Spain will move towards Ireland. It is a serious consideration.

I look on this report with mixed views. On the one hand it is welcome because the industry is facing up to reality but on the other hand, it is somewhat sad because we are basically indicating the fishing industry will be pruned and curtailed. I hope it will be more profitable for those who remain in the industry.