Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairperson and Senators for their constructive contributions on the Sea-Fisheries (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021. I and the Government appreciate their constructive engagement. Implementation of the points system is very urgent given the long delay since 2012, the ongoing EU infringement proceedings and the suspension of funding by the European Union through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, EMFF. Ireland is the only member state at this stage without a functioning master's points system, a situation that the Government cannot stand over.

This Bill is an important measure in supporting a level playing field on control while also supporting sustainable fishing in compliance with the rules in the waters around Ireland, on which our fishing fleet is strongly dependent. It will allow us to protect law-abiding operators, who make up the vast majority of those in the industry, and to preserve this precious and valuable resource for all Irish fishers and for future generations, as well as contributing to creating a level playing field in fisheries control across member states. I thank Members for their contributions and I look forward to the early operation of this important Bill.