Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join with Senator Comiskey in welcoming the achievement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, in Brussels last night. It is important that when the Government is successful it is given credit and praised. Our fishing industry is, unfortunately, in a delicate state. It is ridiculous that the Minister has to go to Brussels to negotiate on these matters every year. I have previously stated that such negotiations should only take place every two or three years. The scientists and fishing organisations involved, including the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation and the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation also deserve credit for this deal. These negotiations always take place in the run up to Christmas. They take place over two or three days and require a great deal of energy and effort. I believe it should be possible to strike deals which would be valid for two or three years. The scientists are correct that the fish will not disappear.

It is important to remember those fishermen who lost their lives in Union Hall. The fishing industry is often forgotten. I opposed the introduction by former Minister, Noel Dempsey, of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2005, to which 130 amendments were tabled. Although I was not happy with some of the aspects of that Bill I did vote in support of them. The paucity of Members on the Government side of the House when it came to rural issues at that time was notable. It is important that fishermen, who do a difficult job and are often a forgotten society, are remembered in our prayers, in particular at Christmas. In this regard I am speaking not of those who indulge in caviar or prawn cocktails. We must support our fishermen.

I ask that the Leader provide time for a debate on the fishing industry in the new year, in particular given the upcoming review of the Common Agricultural Policy. It is critical we have a full debate on that matter prior to March, which debate I hope will be engaging.