Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)

I want to raise two issues, if that is okay. As regards the UN Ocean Conference taking place in Nice, our Taoiseach made a very fine speech there yesterday, but we have a significant challenge with our marine area. Notwithstanding the absence of the marine protected area, MPA, legislation that the previous Government did not get over the line, I question this Government's commitment to getting such legislation in place and moving towards our 2030 targets during its term of office.

Significant concerns have been raised by those in coastal communities, particularly around Bantry Bay but in other coastal areas as well, about the overfishing of sprat, which is impacting marine ecotourism. This overfishing is impacting other fish species and marine biodiversity. The campaign groups, particularly Save Our Sprat in Bantry Bay, are calling on the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, to bring in a moratorium until such time as we can ascertain what would be a sustainable catch. At present, fishing vessels are probably catching sprat at three or four times the natural replenishment rate. It takes about 3 kg to 5 kg of sprat to produce 1 kg of farmed salmon. They are primarily being used for feed for the aquaculture industry. This is a matter on which I would welcome an opportunity to have a debate with the Minister.

The second issue is the seizure by the Israeli authorities of the Madleen flotilla as it was on its way to deliver humanitarian aid in Gaza. What those involved were trying to do was highlight the fact that the whole aid infrastructure in Gaza has been taken over by the US and Israel and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is completely not fit for purpose. Citizens are being gunned down by Israeli authorities as they queue for food. There is only one way to deliver aid into Gaza. In the first instance, there has to be a free flow of aid, as required by the people there. In addition, it has to be delivered by aid agencies and UNRWA. They have been in this space for many decades and are the only ones who should be delivering aid. It should be impartial and should not be politicised in this way.

Again, we appeal for moderate voices within Israel to be listened to. There are moderate voices there that want this regime toppled and taken out. The opportunity for peace is there but will not be seized as long as the extremist views hold sway. I commend Greta Thunberg and all the people on board the Madleen on the efforts they made to try to deliver aid into Gaza.