David Norris (Independent)

I saw one, a large ship that appeared to have sophisticated sonar and radar equipment which I presumed could be used to locate shoals of fish and also to explore other resources. I understood from my brief conversation on the aeroplane that the research was not just confined to fish.

The positive news we have received from Brussels thanks to the Minister of State is an indication of the seriousness with which the Government is taking the fishing industry. Would that it had always been so. We disastrously sold our fishing stocks in the early days of our negotiations on accession to the European Union and the contribution we made almost inadvertently has never been significantly quantified. While I do not expect him to reply off the top of his head, I ask the Minister of State to communicate with me to give me an estimate of the value of the particular resource. We need to bear this in mind when we are negotiating, as we are, on complicated economic matters with the European Union.

I express my admiration for the fishing community because they and their families are people of considerable courage. They go out in very difficult circumstances and have been badly treated. I was half listening to the earlier part of the debate on the monitor downstairs and believe I heard we had this ludicrous situation where large portions of the catch needed to be dumped, which is insane in a world part of which is starving. That must be reconsidered because it is intolerable. In addition, if they are dumped back into the sea, it is a form of pollution, which is appalling. I ask the Minister of State to ensure we stop this noxious practice which is utter stupidity and must be so disheartening for fishermen who I understand have to have fish weighed in their own ports. Some of our Community brethren are not subject to the same scrutiny and examination at our ports. Why not? There should be a level playing field. What is sauce for the goose is, or at least should be, sauce for the gander.

If anyone in RTE is listening to this debate - we have a good contact in Senator Mooney - I ask that they let us keep "Seascapes", a marvellous programme.