Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I join with colleagues in the House in supporting the Orange the World campaign, which supports 16 days of activism against gender-based violence between now and 10 December. I wish to highlight the Soroptimist groups in Ballina and Castlebar, County Mayo. I met this morning with the Ballina group, which has launched its campaign and has a series of events organised between now and 10 December. The Castlebar Soroptimists have similar plans. It is so important for this work to be highlighted here and in every house and chamber in the country to make sure we eliminate violence against women. In my political life, I have seen way too many times women who are in desperate need, seeking emergency accommodation and refuge from difficult and unimaginable domestic situations. I compliment the Soroptimist groups across Ireland, in particular in Mayo, Ballina and Castlebar, who are doing great work on highlighting it.

I also take this opportunity to highlight proposals by Inland Fisheries Ireland in my home county of Mayo, particularly on the River Moy in Ballina. The Ballina Salmon Anglers Association has huge concerns about the planned reduction in the number of salmon allowed to be caught during the season next year.It has come out of nowhere and the data and statistics in relation to this are questionable. There is a lot more information that we need to be shared with us as representatives and people who support the inland fisheries and the anglers along the beat of the River Moy. It is penalising fishermen and potentially a whole tourism industry when there are many other issues that need to be addressed first, such as pollution by sea trawlers. There are some constructive approaches that need to be aired out, as opposed to targeting fishermen and women along the River Moy beat.

I acknowledge my colleague, Councillor Neil Cruise, who has done great work on this. We are working together on it. There needs to be more discussion and engagement with fishermen and women and organisational groups, not just a brush stroke without full details and facts.