Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I echo the comments of colleagues who have appealed to the Government not to proceed with the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017 tomorrow. This legislation was stalled two years ago after very robust debate in this Chamber, but no effort was made to consult the fisheries organisations in the intervening two years. There has been no consultation, even though those organisations outlined their concerns to committees of these Houses. No effort was made in the past two years to consult them. They are now up in arms around the coast because of the disrespect being shown to them. There is no way that this House can stand over this tomorrow. I hope it does not come to this but, if necessary, I will push for a vote on the Order of Business tomorrow morning to stop this legislation moving forward pending consultation between the Minister, his officials and the fisheries representative groups. The Government must at least attempt to address the concerns of the fishing community. We need to show some respect for our fishing organisations when such controversial legislation is before the House. I call for common sense on this matter. A meeting was held yesterday at which these points were put to the Minister. Will the Leader ensure this does not have to be put to a vote tomorrow morning? I do not want to divide this House and I hope that common sense will prevail and respect will be shown to our fishing organisations.