Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I hope that Senator Norris is not too sore after the wasp sting. Before I call on the Leader to respond, I will make an observation, which I rarely do from the Chair.

Fish quotas were mentioned earlier. I come from the sea shore. With Britain leaving the European Union, this is the first time since 1973 that we will have the opportunity to revisit the fish quota. The fish quota granted to Ireland in 1973 was grossly unjust and there was no opportunity to raise the issue in the past five decades.The treatment of the Irish in 1973 was grossly unjust. Those who have influence, whether it is the Leader, the Minister or our people in Europe, should take this opportunity. An increase of just 1% in the Irish quota in Europe would mean many jobs for rural Ireland and for coastal communities that have been decimated over the years. When the fish quota was given out in 1973, the Irish negotiators or the Irish fisherman were hiding behind something because they got a very bad deal. If there was ever an opportunity to change this, there is one now with the Brexit negotiations currently taking place. Places like Castletownbere, Killybegs and Rossaveal are struggling to survive because we do not have the fish. If there was ever an opportunity, there is one now. With negotiations taking place, there is leverage, for the first time in 50 years, to redress that grave injustice.