Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I seek a debate on fisheries. An Irish Minister introduced draconian legislation, which is being used to persecute, penalise and criminalise fishermen.

The TUPE legislation, which guarantees workers' rights on ferry services, is being implemented in Northern Ireland but not in the Republic. Recently the Rathlin ferry was awarded a contract and Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, ensured TUPE legislation guaranteed the rights and privileges of workers. The same has not happened in this State and we have evidence of that in west Cork.

The overwhelming powers of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority should be debated. Its staff can board vessels, confiscate equipment and catches and bring fishermen before Circuit Court judges, in the process criminalising them. This issue should be debated at length in the House with the Minister. The lack of a fully fledged Minister for the marine is a huge disadvantage to the industry.

I congratulate Senator Ronán Mullen whom I have just appointed my finance director for the next general election.