Seanad debates

Thursday, 5 June 2008

10:30 am

Photo of Joe O'TooleJoe O'Toole (Independent)

I am not sure if my question is for the Leader or the Cathaoirleach. We have not had an update on the situation in regard to the building work in the Seanad Chamber and the move to another location. I tried to get an update recently but I got nowhere. I do not want us to be caught between two stools. Nothing seems to be happening and I cannot get any information that anything has been put in place so that work can start the day the Seanad adjourns for the summer recess. I would like reassurance in this regard because the House was informed it would move only if work was being done, that it would begin on time and would finish within the year. That was discussed and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges reported back to the Houses. It is crucial the issue is clarified.

I have often raised the difficulties of the fishing industry. I know it is not a very popular issue and that people do not get excited about it as they do with other issues in the eastern part of the country. We sold out the fishermen with the first national economic programme in the 1950s, we continued to sell them out in the negotiations prior to joining the EEC in 1972 and we have been trying to fight our way back since then. Last year we unnecessarily stopped drift net fishermen from salmon fishing. There is also an initiative to buy out fishermen. All of the above have caused the death by 1,000 cuts of one of our most traditional industries.

With the increase in the price of diesel and the restricted quotas, boats are tied up because they cannot afford to go out. Even if they catch their maximum quota, the cost of diesel for small trawlers — it could increase to almost €2,000 per week — means it does not pay for the running of the boat. There is something significantly wrong and the Government must intervene. That problem was created prior to us joining EEC. Perhaps we could ask the EU to take us out of the mess into which we got ourselves more than 30 years ago. Owing to the restrictions on the Irish fishing industry, it will die before our eyes if we do not get help from somewhere. I ask people to show support for the fishing industry.

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