Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

It seems to be selling very well. The Minister of State also referred to boar fish. Does this indicate that scientific studies are suggesting such fish species suit the Irish palate? I note that sole is among the other fish stocks which seem to be under threat. It is a particular favourite of mine. Is this species under threat and will I have to find a substitute?

I pay tribute to my friend and colleague, Senator O'Donovan, for tabling the motion at this time, considering that the Minister of State has just returned from the negotiations in Brussels. It highlights yet again the all-party and Independent Senators agreement on the importance of the fishing industry to the economy. Senator McCarthy is correct; since 1973, when Ireland joined the European Common Market, the fishing industry has believed it has been regarded as the poor relation. This is an island nation with a fishing area ten times the size of the country. This statistic gives us some idea of the importance of the industry and its potential. There is a growing realisation, as confirmed by the successful outcome to the negotiations yesterday, that it is an exceptionally important indigenous industry. I applaud and support the call made to the Minister of State to ensure this good news trickles down in terms of added value. It means stability for the industry which can now see a way forward to secure its economic future. All those who are developing a value-added food chain and selling our stocks internationally in a variety of guises should be further encouraged and supported as needed because I see no difference between IDA Ireland supporting a manufacturing industry from abroad and a local entrepreneur, as has happened around our coastline, who has developed a particular product line as a result of our fish catches and is selling effectively and successfully to other markets around the world. I again commend the Minister of State.