Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

They go out in the morning and come back in the evening. It is sad to see a number of these boats tied up around the coastline. Decommissioning would help to alleviate some of the problem, although it would not get rid of it.

I welcome developments in the boarfish sector. The situation is fluid and as such, the new boarfish fishery should be developed. In this regard, I ask the Minister of State to ensure an equitable share-out. There are vessels capable of catching fish in the southern part of the country, from Dunmore to Rossaveal, but few, if any, are allowed to catch them. That is a retrograde step; there should be a greater balance.

The Common Fisheries Policy must be addressed. Certain people doubt that the Minister of State will be negotiating in two years' time, but we should introduce a 100 mile limit around Ireland to ensure the conservation of fish because our fishing stocks are being marauded.

There is another day's work to be done in respect of the mariculture and aquaculture sectors, to which the Minister of State referred. In the new year I hope we can have another debate dedicated to these sectors which have great potential. I acknowledge that the Minister of State is striving to ensure the long delays in licensing are addressed. He referred to 91 bays or inlets and it is appalling that there are such delays. More staff must be assigned to this work because the delays are stymying growth. Our plan for mariculture and aquaculture industries 20 years ago was to compete with the French and Spanish. Unfortunately, however, we are stuck in a rut and we must get out of it.

I thank the Minister of State and my colleagues for participating in this worthwhile debate.