Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

The only reason I raise the matter again is that a new and serious issue has arisen. While Killybegs is mentioned most often in connection with the fishing industry in County Donegal, the largest whitefish fleet in Ireland is based in Greencastle, three miles from where I live. In that regard, I declare an interest.

I call for this issue to be revisited before the beginning of December when talks on the fishing industry are due to commence at European Union level. The Commission's proposal is unacceptable and I do not believe it reflects environmental circumstances. Fishermen need to be able to earn a living and pay for their boats. If they are not allowed to remain at sea, we will have to close down the fishing industry.

The second issue I raise is the report on water quality issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Speaking on the Adjournment several months ago, I asked for funding for the group sewerage scheme to be increased to the same level as funding for the group water scheme.