April 5th 2007

“Federation of Irish Fishermen Statement on Criminal Justice Bill”

The Federation of Irish Fishermen today said it was dismayed at the refusal of the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, to accept that the inclusion of fisheries offences in his Criminal Justice Bill is completely inappropriate, or to accept amendments to the section. It also rejected as completely unacceptable the Ministers use of the word "treason" in relation to the minority committing serious fisheries offences in his comments in the Oireachtas today.

"We hold no brief for serious offenders in fisheries but the use of this type of language indicating a capital crime should have no place in the lexicon relating to fishing, which is a totally legal activity of great benefit to the State and is a proud and honourable way of life in our coastal communities. The inclusion of fisheries offences in the Criminal Justice bill is a disgrace and is very regrettable evidence of an effort to mis-place public perception of the sector by people who should know better" said Lorcan O Cinneide, Chairman of the Federation.