Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Connick, and endorse everything that has been said in congratulating him on his efforts. The fishing industry owes a great debt of thanks not only to the Minister of State but also to his departmental officials who participated in the late night negotiations. The Irish seem to produce their best in the early hours of the morning, while those in the rest of Europe are wilting. This is another example of the Minister of State working to his last to ensure a good deal for Ireland. The sum of €223 million is not to be sneezed at, but in the current economic climate it is a remarkable achievement.

While some Members might be surprised by my contribution, I have strong family links with Castletownbere through my wife, Sheila, and I am a regular visitor to the town. I am familiar with the fishing industry and its impact on the community. My wife's family relied on the fruits of the industry during her upbringing. As such, I am acutely aware of its importance to regional economies and now in the national context as a result of the value-added product provided by means of small to medium-sized enterprises across the country. While County Leitrim is not known for its involvement in the fishing industry, it is a maritime county. While I cannot suggest there is a flotilla of fishing vessels moored at Tullaghan, at the same time we are very proud of our two and half miles of coastline.

Senator McCarthy referred to the imposition of sanctions. I understand from talking to those involved in the industry in the south west and also to a colleague of ours, Councillor Danny Crowley, who lives not far from where my wife's family comes from that the imposition of sanctions has had an adverse impact on the local community in Castletownbere. What astounds me is that in instances of overfishing, where the quota is exceeded, not only are fishermen dragged through the courts but their excess catches are also dumped. I cannot understand the reason in this day and age an administrative decision is taken which ignores its consequence - the dumping of fish. Somewhere in the world children are crying out for food. I read a horrendous report from the St. Vincent de Paul which indicated that children in Kilkenny were scavenging for food in the rubbish. I cannot square this with the image of people in uniform or an administrator monitoring a fishing vessel coming into Castletownbere, checking its catch and deciding it is in excess of the quota by two or three cases and dumping the excess. There has to be a more equitable solution. I understand a way forward would be for departmental officials and representatives of other relevant Departments and the fishing industry to sit around a table to work out an equitable solution which would not result in the dumping of fish. I will not labour the point too much, but it is a valid one. I know the Minister of State is aware of the position, but I would be grateful if he said something in that regard.

A reduction of 17% in the prawn quota was originally sought, which would have had a significant impact, but a reduction has been negotiated to a figure of 3% which will be welcomed by those who rely on the prawn industry. As Senator O'Donovan knows, the south west relies to a large extent not only on the whitefish fleet but also on the prawn industry. Senator Carroll referred to the importance of the industry on the east coast, particularly around Clogherhead. By one of life's coincidences, wearing my other hat, I was invited to act as compere at this year's revived prawn festival in the village which was officially opened by our colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Deputy Hanafin. Many local elected representatives attended on the day. For a small village with which people outside County Louth might not be familiar, thousands attended the festival on what was a lovely sunny evening. It was a splendid community effort and I wish those involved continued success. This is an indication of the importance of the prawn industry to coastal communities.

Senator Coffey referred to the Faroe Islands and Iceland. I ask the Minister of State to clarify what the problem is that is affecting our fish stocks and whether a solution to the problem is imminent. While I appreciate there will be a 25% reduction in the cod quota, it seems there are differing scientific views on the threat posed to the cod industry. The Minister of State referred to the Irish scientific survey being carried out by the State's research vessel, Celtic Explorer, the results of which will indicate whether the threat is imminent. I ask him to say why cod, in particular, seems to be under a major threat. Is it because it is the most popular fish on the table and is being overfished? I have noticed a number of lesser known fish species appearing in the shops such as dab.