Larry O'Toole defends Howth fishermen
Published: 22 February, 2006
Councillor Larry O'Toole is supporting Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD in proposing several substantial amendments to the controversial Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill when it returns to the Dáil for final decision. Deputy Ferris' amendments propose the substitution of administrative sanctions in place of the judicial measures proposed in the legislation. Among the amendments is a detailed table of proportionate penalties to replace the draconian fines in the original Bill.
Deputy Ferris said: "Today is the final opportunity for Deputies to amend this Bill before it becomes law. It is also the final chance that Fianna Fáil Deputies will have to vote with their conscience and in accordance with the wishes of the fishing community against the legislation. The administrative sanctions that I am proposing embody the considered position of those involved in the fishing industry and represent a reasonable alternative to the criminal sanctions that have been proposed by the Government. This is an important day for Irish fishing communities as this legislation will have a profound impact on their future."
Commenting afterwards Larry O'Toole stated "The measures proposed by the Government will merely criminalise hundreds of Irish fishermen, including my constituents in Howth, who have suffered neglect for long enough. Now is the time to defend the Howth fishing industry, not attack it with the most draconian measures imaginable. I commend Deputy Ferris in his defence of Irish fishermen."
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