Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I also congratulate all those Members of this House who contested the various elections. I particularly congratulate Alan Kelly, who is now a Member of the European Parliament. It is a tribute to these people's political standing that they can join political parties, remain with them and are elected.

I call on the Leader to arrange a debate on fisheries, particularly in the context of the renegotiation of the Common Fisheries Policy. There have been a number of appalling developments with the implementation of the sea fisheries legislation that was enacted by both Houses some years ago. There has been a particularly scary development whereby the Chief State Solicitor no longer deals with violations of the relevant Act and the DPP is obliged to take on such cases. I have referred to the criminalisation of fishermen on previous occasions. In that context, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate, sooner rather than later, so that we can investigate the claims being made by those involved in the industry and ensure this House defends fishermen. Fisheries is one of the areas by means of which we can reboot the rural economy. We must consider relaxing the very restrictive and draconian laws in this area so that people in the industry are allowed to survive.

I also request a debate on the HSE and its controversial Teamwork report, which was published this morning, relating to the future of Bantry, Tralee and Mallow general hospitals. This is a very important and controversial document and it should be the subject of a debate in this House.