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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Fisheries minister representation

Summary

Deputy Mac Lochlainn asked the Taoiseach to ensure the Minister of State for fisheries, not the Agriculture Minister, represents Ireland to the European Parliament fisheries committee. The Taoiseach said Deputy Dooley is effective and that the Agriculture Minister and Minister of State are both engaged on fishery issues.

In recent weeks, the Taoiseach talked about the importance of the Minister of State with responsibility for the marine. However, incredibly, it is the Minister for agriculture who will address the European Parliament's committee on fisheries today. He is having an exchange of views with the members of that committee, not the Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries, Deputy Dooley. There is clearly a row. Letters have been exchanged. I ask the Taoiseach to intervene and make clear that it is the Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries, who has been engaging in widespread consultation with the fishing industry and seafood industry in Ireland and Europe over the last year and a half, who should represent Ireland. He knows what he is talking about. That would give a clear message that the Taoiseach is serious about giving the Department of marine and the Minister of State with responsibility for the marine independence to speak and fight for our people, rather than the Minister for agriculture, who could not possibly know anything about these matters.

Comment on this

The Deputy's endorsement of the competence of the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, is duly noted. I hope it will not come back to haunt him some day in subsequent events. The Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, is an effective Minister of State with responsibility for the marine and has a great rapport with the industry.

I appreciate the Deputy saying that. Deputy Heydon, of course, is the senior Minister in the Department and has been working with the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, with regard to fishery interests and other issues. That is the basic position.

Comment on this

The Taoiseach is not going to intervene.

Comment on this