Seanad debates

Tuesday, 24 September 2019

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I wish to be associated with welcoming everybody back to this magnificent Chamber. I congratulate and thank everybody involved for the magnificent job they have done in refurbishing the House. I wish to add to the long list of names the Cathaoirleach outlined of those who were responsible for bringing the work to fruition. The former Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Barrett, played a leading role early on in the refurbishment, not just of the Chamber but the old part of Leinster House. He was adamant that the work would continue after the work on the former National College of Art and Design was finished so that the contractors engaged by the Office of Public Works would not have to move out and then have to move back in again, that there would be a continuation and that the works would be completed. The Deputy's name should be added to the Cathaoirleach's long list.

Could the Leader invite in the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to come before the House for a debate on the leisure fishing industry? The Minister of State has responsibility for natural resources and community affairs. Leisure fishing is dying as a sport. Something radical must be done to revive fly fishing, trout fishing, salmon fishing, etc. We have the finest rivers and lakes in Europe but the art of fishing is dying. We must do something. It is the responsibility of the Minister of State's Department to do something urgently, whether involving the Inland Fisheries Ireland or whoever has the remit for it. Something must be done. We must bring the Minister of State before the House.

I also want the Minister of State to address an issue affecting the lakes in the vicinity of Castlebar. I do not know whether it has spread to other lakes. Mink have killed almost all of swans on the lakes in the Castlebar area. There is an infestation of mink which are doing unbelievable damage to the swan population. Something radical must be done. I ask that the Minister of State come to the Chamber to discuss both issues as a matter of urgency.

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