Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have lost €10 billion out of our waters. I ask the Leader whether it is at all possible that at some stage a Minister, Taoiseach or Government would have the capacity to take on Europe on these issues because previous Governments have failed. Somebody at some time must grasp it. After 40 years, we can still rectify the injustice created and give us at least 10% as the fish quota for Ireland. Recently, we gave away thousands of tonnes to the Faroe Islands and Iceland, neither of which is even in the European Union. Those countries get a far greater proportion of the quotas, particularly for mackerel, than Irish fishermen do and we are left holding the can. It is a brave challenge. If the Minister, the Taoiseach or the current Government can do something on that issue, fundamental change to the fishing quotas must be tackled sooner rather than later. It has been far too long. Previous Governments and previous Fianna Fáil Ministers neglected the issue and kicked it to touch. The fishermen and fishing sector is a forgotten sector of Irish society.