Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

This is an old hobby horse of mine which I raised previously in the House. I am glad to hear that the Minister met representatives from Cork and Kerry last week. This matter is more regional than parochial and is urgent in so far as that, even though we are in the middle of winter, if the new vessel is not secured in the next two or three weeks the ferry service from Cork to Rosslare, which has been in operation for many years, will be lost. That will have a devastating effect on the socio-economic life of the southern region, with an acute contraction of the tourism industry, which is critical to the area. This is not the first time I have made this request. The Minister for Transport should make a statement on the matter. I am aware there are some restrictions owing to competition rules but the support of the Minister in question, Deputy Noel Dempsey, is critical to the ongoing discussions in this regard.

I also previously requested a debate on the fishing industry. While this was promised prior to the summer recess, I later agreed with the Leader to postpone it. However, this matter now requires urgent attention. We hear much about teachers, farmers and the elderly, but the fishing industry is in crisis. It is critical that such debate takes place before the end of November, if possible. The Minister and his officials will attend a meeting in Europe to seek extra quotas and fair play within the European structures for our fishermen.

It is nice to order monkfish or seabass when dining out in a restaurant, but people tend to forget from where the fish comes. The fishing industry has been neglected for too long. I urge the Leader to arrange a debate on this issue. If he wishes, I would be willing to let the tide ebb a little in respect of the Harbours (Amendment) Bill to give precedence to a debate on the fishing industry in the next two or three weeks.