Jimmy Harte (Labour)

I take the point that, technically, we do not have constituencies, but people appreciate that we look after certain areas.

I call for a debate on fish discards, an issue which is the subject of discussion throughout Europe. Members may be aware of a campaign that was initiated in the United Kingdom by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, presenter of "River Cottage" on Channel 4. According to his research, up to 50% of all fish caught are thrown back into the water because of quotas or, in some cases, where the type of fish is not regarded as palatable. Mr. Fearnley-Whittingstall's campaign website, Hugh's Fish Fight, has to date secured more than 766,000 online signatures from people throughout Europe. I understand our Parliament is the only one in Europe whose representatives have not yet met with Mr. Fearnley-Whittingstall in regard to his campaign. Having contacted the campaign, I am aware that he would be keen to speak to Deputies and Senators on this important issue.

Ireland is lagging behind somewhat because the campaign has not yet impacted on this side of the water, yet we are more affected by this issue than other European countries. I urge Members to log on to the Hugh's Fish Fight website and add their names to those of the almost 800,000 people who have logged on to date, including most MPs in the United Kingdom and parliamentarians throughout Europe. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to the Chamber to outline future policy in regard to discards? If it is within our remit, I also urge that we invite Mr. Fearnley-Whittingstall to meet with us at some stage. He is willing to do so in his own time, within this or any other forum. He has an interesting story to tell.