Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

An old hobbyhorse of mine is the fisheries sector. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on fisheries, particularly as a review of the Common Fisheries Policy is imminent and in view of an emerging report which shows the vulnerability of Ireland's fishing stocks. There is no reason that Commissioner Borg could not be invited to the Seanad to debate this. It would add to the Seanad's credibility. Before the referendum on the Lisbon treaty, a prominent EU official was invited to the House to advise Members on the salient features of the EU. Now is the time for action on the fisheries issue. Ireland should demand a 100 miles exclusive limit, at least, for Irish trawlers. A total of 80% of the fish caught in Irish waters is caught by non-Irish vessels, while Ireland's fishing fleet is half the size it was ten years ago.

When I hear about conservation of stocks and consider the over-policing of Irish vessels, I believe we are being penny wise and pound foolish. The industry is at a critical point. Jobs can be created in the fishing industry as well as in the seafood and fish farming sectors. This country imports much of its fish from places such as Korea, South America and other unusual countries while it is hanging its own fishermen out to dry. I feel very strongly about this issue. Europe is reviewing the Common Fisheries Policy and in that review Ireland must get tough and demand an exclusive 100 mile limit. I ask the Leader to give serious consideration to inviting Commissioner Borg to the Seanad. If European Commissioners could visit the Seanad once every three or four months to address the House on issues that are pertinent and relevant to Ireland, it would increase the value of this House.