Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegation for an interesting presentation. There is potential to develop the industry, particularly sea angling. We must assist traditional fishermen to avail of new opportunities in the angling sector.

The committee started its hearing with submissions from the Aranmore islanders on the loss of wild salmon fisheries due to a ban on drift nets. The islanders sought to retain the salmon fisheries rather than diversify because they view themselves as traditional fisherman. That is what they want to be. We must find a way to allow traditional fishermen to continue yet examine other opportunities for them.

It was mentioned in the presentation that the industry supports 10,000 rural jobs. I presume that includes all angling, including river angling. How many jobs does sea angling provide? Can the delegation outline its projections for growth? What supports are needed to allow growth to take place? How much does it cost a boat or sea angling provider to enter the sector if they decide to diversify? I presume that a traditional fishing boat would not be incompatible with an angling vessel. Therefore, diversification would require a new or second vessel. Has the delegation researched how it could work with traditional fishermen to combine an angling product with traditional fishing? Can traditional fishermen do both for a period while he or she develops his or her business?

I have questions on the support given to fishermen who want to take up angling. The European fisheries fund provided funding for diversification and for fishermen displaced due to restrictions imposed by the Common Fisheries Policy. Has the delegation ever targeted that funding to develop an angling product? We know that Ireland has never targeted any funding from the fund. When compared with countries like Spain we have neglected to apply for potential funding. A vital part of a proposed development is funding. It is all right having a report that proves that people want a product but if we cannot put the infrastructure in place then it will be impossible to capitalise on the initiative. The cost of entry into the sector is significant enough to make it difficult for small fishermen to join.

I presume that the committee will address the salmon issue at a later date. Salmon fishing might be another day's work. Angling shows potential and I am interested to hear how the delegation views its development.