Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I endorse and echo the sentiments expressed by my colleague, Senator Paul Coghlan, and will say no more on the matter as I have raised it before in the House. It is ludicrous that the likes of Valentia and Malin Coast Guard stations will be closed purely for the purpose of centralisation. If it not broken, do not fix it. Having these stations where they are gives confidence to coastal communities and fishermen and moving them would be madness. I will not plough old ground because these points have been made cogently by Senators O'Toole and Coghlan.

I seek a debate on the area of fisheries. The talks on pay are approaching and for years farmers have had an input in such negotiations. This has worked well and I feel fishermen should also have a say, and I ask the Leader to bring this to the attention of the Minister concerned. Fishermen have been neglected for too long and should be included in these talks. A recent programme on RTE related the tragic events on our coastline of just over a year ago that saw the loss of seven lives.

Still on the area of fisheries and community support, I got caught in the net of the Fisheries Bill 2006 and this caused me some damage. The Bill should be revisited because a commitment was given in the Select Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources that after a year or two matters would be re-examined, particularly the area of administrative fines. Irish fishermen are being treated with severe criminal sanctions and, in this regard, we are the exception in Europe. I fought this matter tooth and nail in the other House and feel it should be revisited given what is happening in the rest of Europe. Why should we, with a weakened, declining fishing community, be the exception?

The Leader of the Opposition raised the issue of the ultrasound machine in Beaumont Hospital and I see her point but I have a slightly different view. A few years ago I shaved my head and beard to raise €10,000 for a CT scanner for Bantry Hospital.