I thank the Cathaoirleach for his forbearance and indulgence during the past year. I hope I did not let him down all of the time. I also wish the best of luck to the staff of the Seanad Office, Deirdre, Jody and Aisling, the Leader, Senator Cummins, my colleagues in this House and our very affable Government Whip, Senator Paul Coghlan, who for a number of reasons, had many home runs this year but was almost bowled over yesterday but stood steadfast.

I am good at pulling fast ones.

We were made well aware of the tenacity and personalities of various Senators during a debate in this House yesterday. I was in the Chair at the time and chose to listen and not get involved despite the fact that I have my own views on the matter. The emotion and passion evident in that debate, regardless of which party or none the Senators are Members of, has never been matched in the other House. It is important that is said. I understand the position in which Labour Party Senators found themselves, although some were flying kites and drew attention to it in another way. One Senator, for whom I have great respect, unfortunately decided to jump ship. There has been much comment in the media about Deputy Keaveney's use of Latin phraseology and verbiage, etc. In terms of what occurred here yesterday in relation the final vote and what will happen today, I would use the following Latin maxim, res ipsa loquitur, which means "the thing speaks for itself".

I join Senator Comiskey in welcoming the achievement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, in Brussels last night. It is important that when the Government is successful it is given credit and praised. The fishing industry is, unfortunately, in a delicate state. It is ridiculous that the Minister has to go to Brussels to negotiate on these matters every year. I have previously stated that such negotiations should only take place every two or three years. The scientists and fishing organisations involved, including the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation and the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation also deserve credit for this deal. These negotiations always take place in the run-up to Christmas. They take place over two or three days and require a great deal of energy and effort. It should be possible to strike deals which would be valid for two or three years. The scientists are correct that the fish will not disappear.

It is important to remember the fishermen who lost their lives in Union Hall. The fishing industry is often forgotten. I opposed the introduction by former Minister, Noel Dempsey, of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2005, to which 130 amendments were tabled. Although I was not happy with some of the aspects of that Bill I did vote in support of them. The paucity of Members on the Government side of the House when it came to rural issues at that time was notable. It is important that fishermen, who do a difficult job and are often a forgotten society, are remembered in our prayers, in particular at Christmas. In this regard I am speaking not of those who indulge in caviar or prawn cocktails. We must support our fishermen. I ask the Leader to provide time for a debate on the fishing industry in the new year, in particular given the upcoming review of the Common Agricultural Policy. It is critical we have a full debate on that matter prior to March, which debate I hope will be engaging.