Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This morning the Minister for Justice and Equality asked him to reconsider his comments. All sides of the House have worked hard to bring in legislation to help people dealing with crippling debts. Debt is the most significant issue facing the country. Comments such as this do not serve the public well. I ask Mr. MacSharry to withdraw his comments.

I commend the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Peter Heffernan, of the Marine Institute, a neighbour of mine in Renvyle, Oranmore, for the great deal they struck for Ireland on fishing quotas. They have gone from expecting a cut at the beginning of the week to a 6.5% increase in the quota. This is as a result of the great work the Marine Institute does in Oranmore. Its underwater camera footage produced the scientific evidence that got us the deal. That is an example of the knowledge economy serving us well.

I am delighted to wish every Member on all sides of the House a happy Christmas.