Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

As the Fianna Fáil Party spokesperson on agriculture, fisheries and food, I acknowledge the constructive nature of this discussion. I thank the Minister and Leader. We may have political and policy differences but this has been a constructive day. I welcome the Minister's commitment on the key issues we raised about the review of the Common Fisheries Policy, which is crucial to the economic survival of the fisheries sector. I wish him well in the negotiations on the CFP and CAP. He has the full support of the Fianna Fáil Party whose MEPs will work closely with him.

I referred to trade restrictions which are important for the Irish mackerel sector because Iceland and the Faroe Islands are behaving disgracefully in this matter, as the Minister agreed. He indicated the Commissioner will bring proposals to the European Council in October. I ask him to keep Senators informed of progress in the matter.