Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Boarfish is an example. We have seen a huge decrease in the boarfish quota from 88,000, two thirds of the EU quota, down to 36,000. The fishermen have told me for the past 12 months that they have not been landing. They are not crying about that issue. They knew it and they accept it. Similarly, they will accept advice on other fish where they know the species are challenged. The majority of the fishermen understand the problem of the discard ban and are important stakeholders in terms of implementation of the ban. The vast majority are willing to work at it and can see the goal, but they know it will be a very difficult proposition for the whitefish fleet and that it will take some effort to get it over the line. I neglected to mention in regard to the Celtic Sea herring reduction that there was some talk that the Marine Institute survey may not have been done at the optimum time. Perhaps Mr. Paul Connolly would comment. That may rebound next year. The fishermen are deeply unhappy about it.

It may be accepted if they believe the advice might improve for next year. The scientific work might not be done. We had issues like this before, with scientific surveys carried out at the wrong time for fish management. The information can become sacrosanct, which is also difficult to deal with.

When the Minister speaks to the French agriculture minister, is there any chance he could give us some of the monkfish allocation which the French never seem to succeed in catching for our waters? We are completely restricted in that regard. Deputy Pringle and others may not thank me for asking this but has there been any discussion of a review of the mackerel fishery?