Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Bradford for sharing time and welcome the Minister of State to the House on his return from stiff negotiations in Brussels on behalf of the fishing industry. I acknowledge Senator O'Donovan's efforts to keep fishing on top of the agenda in this House. As someone who comes from a coastal community in County Waterford, I try to do likewise.

Fine Gael supports the motion because we share a common interest in achieving what is best for the fishing industry. This is an island nation and the fishing industry has the potential for making a major contribution to Ireland's economy. Food production and exports of fish can play an important role in our recovery.

For several years I have consulted extensively with Waterford fisherman based in Dunmore East, Helvick Head and Boatstrand. I recently had the pleasure of meeting fishermen in Killybegs and learning about their concerns and frustrations regarding fish quotas and the agreements to which Ireland has been bound in the past 30 years. I also met a lady in her early 30s who is skipper of a vessel for which she has mortgaged her entire future. These negotiations are important in terms of giving young skippers and fishermen hope that the industry will sustain them over their careers. This is why it is important we increase our fish quotas by the greatest extent possible. We are all agreed that past quotas have decimated the fishing industry.

I acknowledge the increase in quotas for whitefish and shellfish and the huge potential of aquaculture. Senator O'Donovan spoke about mackerel quotas, in respect of which significant concerns have been expressed. Ireland should not be made to suffer for the activities of countries such as Iceland and the Faroe Islands. The Minister of State is fighting for the Irish fishing industry with the able support of his officials and the scientific evidence supplied by the Marine Institute. Our MEPs have also played an important role at European level. The Fine Gael MEP for Munster has been particularly active in this area.

Turning to the bigger picture, the review of the Common Fisheries Policy offers the Government a great opportunity to renegotiate the restrictions referred to by other speakers in order that we can fully exploit the potential for the Irish fishing industry. It is in our interest to do our best in these negotiations.

I wholeheartedly agree with Senator O'Donovan that fishing is a labour intensive activity. In addition to fisherman, onshore jobs can be developed in processing and transporting fish and preparing and serving seafood in restaurants. If Fine Gael gets into government, we will do the best we can to restore confidence in the future of Irish fishing and enhance our economy as an island nation.