David Norris (Independent)

It specifically stated they were Dublin Bay prawns, which is what attracted me and why I asked. Senators who take any interest in food will know the extraordinary difference between Dublin Bay prawns and the waterlogged insipid little rubbery things dragged halfway across the planet from Asia and that revolt any civilised palate. I have believed for some time and have said in the House that we have something here that could be cultivated because nowadays, thanks to the DIT School of Hospitality Management and Tourism in Cathal Bruagh Street, the Shannon College of Hotel Management and other institutions, we not only have the best raw materials in the world, we also have the talent, expertise and knowledge to cook them. Why are there not more specialist seafood restaurants around our coastline? I would certainly be more than happy to patronise them and blow their trumpet to promote them. This is an area that can be expanded. I know there have been some efforts made in this regard. I was very much heartened approximately a year ago to see on one of the very good RTE programmes - either "Nationwide" or "Ear to the Ground" - coverage of a Bord Iascaigh Mhara facility that undertakes initiatives and assists people involved in the fishing industry in terms of processing, packaging and marketing in order that they can get fresh or frozen fish to the appropriate niche market in the best condition and in circumstances that alert the suppliers, consumers, restaurants and so on.

I very much regret that approximately ten days ago I could not travel to Galway to see the Marine Institute in operation as I was supposed to. I was in Dublin Airport, but my flight was delayed three times and eventually cancelled not because of the snow but because of freezing fog; therefore, I need to reschedule my trip. On a previous flight I sat next to the director of the institute who was an absolutely fascinating man. He offered me the opportunity to go and see the institute's premises and learn about the research it was doing and also to be given an inspection tour of the large and remarkably well equipped ship I had seen docked in Galway Harbour. I believe it is called the RV Celtic Explorer.