I welcome everyone to the meeting and thank the witnesses for attending.
The joint committee's remit covers communications, marine, and natural resources. It was with great sadness that we learned yesterday evening that the trawler, Pere Charles, was reported missing with five crew members as it was returning to Dunmore East. The members of this committee have always held the fishing industry and fishermen in the highest regard; they undertake one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs. While there may still be hope, the chance of finding survivors is fading. I offer the sympathy of this committee to the families of the crew of the Pere Charles: the skipper, Tom Hennessy; his uncle, Pat Hennessy; Billy "The Squid" O'Connor; Pat Cody; and a Ukrainian national whose name has not been released, and also to Michael Walsh, owner of the Pere Charles.
We all know Michael Walsh, who has been before this committee on many occasions when he ably represented the South and East Fishermen's Organisation. Knowing Michael and the families of the crew, this must be a devastating blow to them. I ask Senator Kenneally to pass the prayers of the committee to them.