Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ní labhróidh mé ar feadh i bhfad. Gabhaim buíochas leis an finnéithe as ucht an cur i láthair. I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I do not sit on the committee full-time but I come in as much as possible. I am familiar with the issues in Connemara and we have met fishermen. We called for a compensation and support scheme but when we saw the pot scheme coming through we did not think it would do the business or solve the problem. It was an Elastoplast to give the appearance something was being done but it is the wrong medicine.

I support most of what has been stated by other speakers. It is important the €1.5 million is re-examined by the Minister. We support calls for this and will continue do so. The report launched in Inis Óirr recently shows the commitment of the committee to work with the industry. The inshore fishery industry has been the poor relative for many years and it is important the Government focuses on it. The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas, CEDRA, report is very light on detail on the fishing industry although it does mention it so the committee should examine it and make submissions to ensure more focus on inshore fishermen. Although consultations on the report are complete, there will be an ongoing process. I support wholeheartedly what has already been suggested. The committee should fully support all of the proposals put forward.