Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to say a few words on this important issue. I join my Government colleagues in congratulating the Minister of State and his officials on the work they have done to achieve a reasonable outcome to the Brussels negotiations.

This motion is probably an action replay of similar motions we have had over the years. It is the norm at Christmas time for the fishing negotiations to take place in Brussels. Sometimes the news from Brussels is reasonable, but other times it is disappointing. The response from fishing organisations to what has been agreed this time is reasonably balanced.

It is interesting that there are fishery negotiations annually, unlike the broader talks on farming issues and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy which take place on a much more irregular timescale. We have an annual opportunity to argue for and secure the best possible deal for Irish fishermen. No matter who is Minister or the composition of Government, however, our hands are fairly tightly bound by long-standing agreements and, in a sense, by the core agreement of Ireland's original entry into the then European Economic Community in 1973. Obviously, the horse bolted long before the stable door was locked and anytime one speaks to people involved in the fishing industry, they bemoan the fact that during our accession negotiations in the early 1970s, farming seemed to get strong political and economic protection while the same did not apply to the fishing industry. As a result, our coastal communities, which are strongly represented in this House by Senator O'Donovan, feel disadvantaged and marginalised. Therefore, any time we have an opportunity to try to bring about some degree of change and progress, we must try to do so. For that reason, I welcome the little baby steps forward the latest agreement allows us take.

The comments made by Senator O'Donovan on the issue of processing are pertinent. Every sector, Department, agency and policy must seek to have job creation at its core, because if we are to recover from the current economic crisis, jobs must be created. We must consider, therefore, how we can use our restricted fishing quotas to produce jobs and create economic activity. Processing in the fishing industry is very important in this regard. Senator O'Donovan has pointed out the need to ensure processing facilities are available, expanded and developed in order that we have the opportunity for the maximum processing onshore of fish caught by Irish fishing vessels off our coasts. Grant aid must be made available where possible, along with technical support for both fishermen and processors. This must be encouraged because we are not in a position to make any dramatic or radical changes to the parameters of EU fishing policy. We can certainly try to ensure the fruits of the sea caught by Irish fishermen are, as far as possible and practical, processed onshore in the Republic of Ireland and that the maximum economic activity is generated from them.

I thank the Minister of State for his efforts in the fishing area. The longer term review of the industry and the various agreements will be very much the business of the next Minister and Government. I hope we will try to ensure the fishing industry gets a reasonable crack of the whip in this regard. There is broad, all-party political support for the fishing industry. Sadly, for 30 years or more our hands have been tied.

Now the question of review and change will be up for debate. We must do our best to secure an improved facility for Irish fishermen. Fine Gael will not oppose the motion and I think everyone in this House would wish the Government well in its efforts to support the fishing industry. I commend the Minister of State on the progress he was able to make but we have more to do. The next Government will have to pay heed to the concerns of the industry.