Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the provisions contained in the Bill. As an island nation, our shipping and fishing industries have been negligible compared to those in other maritime countries of similar size. It strikes me that there is scope for the development of both. Our fishing rights went when we joined the European Union; we traded them for benefits in the agricultural field. Subsequently, we came to realise the potential for earnings in the fishing business.

There is nothing new about registering ships. As far back as ancient Rome, ships were registered; therefore, it is not a new phenomenon. The issue of flags of convenience has been raised. As someone who worked in the shipping business for a long period, it was interesting to come across the different criteria laid down by the registration authorities in different countries. Some of the consequences of this affected the sailors working on board ships.

With regard to tonnage rates and the criteria to be applied, I will ask the Minister when he has finished texting-----