Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Connolly. I think the delegation got a flavour from the members of the importance they attach to the presentation. The conclusion of the presentation sets out the bottom line from the committee's point of view. If the sub-committee accepts on a cross-party basis that vessels under 10 m are vital for the survival and sustainability of rural, coastal and island communities, we have to consider putting forward an agreed position along the lines of the suggestion made by Deputy Ó Cuív. Perhaps we could recommend that those using such vessels be allowed to fish inside certain limits and to a certain capacity, with a mixed fish stock, at a level that allows for continued and ongoing sustainability and the maintenance of the species balance and everything else. Perhaps some of the other things we have discussed can work in harmony with that basic principle.

When I was a member of this committee in the last Dáil, we travelled to meet the previous Commissioner, Joe Borg, who was from Malta. He made the point that when the current Common Fisheries Policy was drawn up, his aspiration was that a two-track approach would be adopted, with one track for the larger fleet and the other track for smaller island and coastal communities in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe. Rightly or wrongly, he was not appointed to this portfolio for a second term. I think discards have become the biggest issue in the portfolio of measures that the current Commissioner wants to see implemented. It is not that the previous priority has been excluded. Maybe this committee should reboot that effort. While we can play our part, Deputy Ó Cuív rightly pointed out that work is needed at EU level. We are just about to embark on a Common Fisheries Policy that does not do anything that is exclusively negative in this regard, but does not do anything to help either. We need to try to refocus attention on the coastline from Malin to Kinsale, in particular. That part of the country is most affected by this.

I thank the members and the witnesses for their comments. We extended the period of time of the hearings to receive today's presentation. It was definitely worthwhile from the perspective of all committee members. I think I am the only member present who does not come from a coastal fishing community. When I listened to what was said about seals, I was reminded that the same issues are arising with deer where I come from. The difficulty in such cases lies with the public perception of what people are trying to do, as opposed to what they are actually trying to do. I did not think a comparison could be made between deer and seals, but it is relevant in this case. That concludes today's proceedings. I thank members and witnesses again for their contributions.