Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator O'Donovan's call for a debate on the fishing industry. I exhort the Leader and our spokesperson, Senator Carty, to arrange an early debate thereon. It is a very important industry, especially to the maritime counties.

Westmeath is known as the lake county and has serious problems with the manner in which its stocks are being poached. I have made this point several times before and "poached" is the nicest word I can use. I am deeply concerned about this issue, which has made the headlines in at least one local newspaper on several occasions. It is time something was done about it. We have talked the talk and now it is time we walked the walk.

I would welcome an early debate on the fishing industry. The Leader has already indicated he is disposed to having such a debate and I therefore thank him. Perhaps the debate on the problems affecting the inland counties of Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath and Cavan, Senator Wilson's county, which has many fine lakes, can be held in tandem with that requested by Senator O'Donovan. This would be useful and I hope it would lead to positive proposals to address the problems, especially those affecting my own county.