Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

Some of the Minister's comments reinforce the need for this measure. She said it is easy to set up a company in Ireland. That is beneficial for people who are engaged in business. The majority of the companies that have been set up operate legitimately and simply want to get on with doing their work within the business community. However, where there are a few rogue companies, it is important provision is made for putting in place fines to address the nature of the offence. The Minister should take on board this amendment.

I was not joking when I made an earlier comment about fishing. If a fisherman catches a few extra fish or some species that is over the quota, he or she could easily be fined up to €10,000. The Minister is well aware that the Government passed legislation to imprison fishermen for such an offence, yet she is making an excuse to allow rogue companies not to be fined on the basis that she will do something about it next year. That is ridiculous.