Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I would prefer if the legislation was not debated today, but short of that I support the previous speakers who have called for Committee Stage only to be taken today. The reason I call for that is that the Minister has not consulted the industry or the fishermen other than a last-minute phone call last night. We are not prepared for this and neither is the Minister. We are doing the wrong thing with this legislation. As previous speakers said, loopholes have formed during recent years, so the legislation is not robust. To try to shove it in a few hours before the recess and force the legislation through is not correct. I support my colleagues in Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Labour Party, and as part of the Civil Engagement Group we will supporting the call either to put off the taking of the legislation or to deal with Committee Stage only today.