Tom Shehan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. The easy way to secure a level playing pitch, a term the Minister of State used on several occasions, would be to tackle those who are impinging on the fishing industry, namely, the fishermen from the Faroe Islands and Iceland who are fishing just outside our waters and to whom quotas do not apply. As I stated, they have taken 1 million tonnes of fish in the past five years.

To return to the issue, on-pier weighing requires the fish to be weighed dry. This practice is not supported by the catchers or processors as it compromises the quality of the fish. To ensure weighing results are accurate, fish will have to be weighed dry on the pier because one cannot weigh a tanker that is half full of sea water. The quality of fish that have been weighed in this manner is compromised when it arrives at the processing plant. This issue must be borne in mind.

As I stated, I do not raise or flag problems without proposing a resolution. The solution in this case is to implement the administrative fines, sanctions and penalties the Minister introduced two years ago. While I do not propose to name individuals, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority has identified a number of cases involving indiscretions or breaches of the law. Those found to be breaking the law should be prosecuted.