Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the announcement that the national internship programme is to be formally launched today. It is a programme that will provide opportunities for 5,000 young graduates who are currently unemployed. When the national internship programme was announced in the budget by the previous Government last December, the payment to be made available at the time per graduate was €100 above the social welfare payment. I am disappointed the figure is being reduced by the new Government to €50 above the social welfare payment. This is a retrograde step, one which may make the scheme less attractive for graduates who may wish to take part in it.

I am conscious that the Leader has signalled there will be a debate on the fishing industry on 20 July. The issue of the mackerel quota has been emerging during the past 48 hours from the European Union with regard to boats which fish out of ports in Ireland. There is an ongoing issue with regard to Ireland seeking additional quota with the co-operation of the Icelandic Government and the Faroe Islands. It seems we have reached a stalemate. It has never been more important to raise the issue at national level in order that it can be raised in the European Union. There is an obvious obligation on the Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to deal with the issue, but I am unsure whether she is dealing with it comprehensively. I seek an emergency debate because this is a national emergency, given the importance of the fishing industry to coastal communities, especially along the west coast. We should hold an emergency debate on the issue of mackerel quotas, their importance to the country and the efforts the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food should make on our behalf in the European Union. If that means the Minister meeting the European Commissioner, so be it. Perhaps the Leader might update the House today on the steps which have been taken by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to invite Commissioners to the House. It is appropriate to invite the Commission for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to the House.