Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My first question relates to the funding of harbours that are not under the control of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The breakwater at Greencastle Harbour in Donegal is half completed and while the harbour users group has very exciting plans, it is caught in a dilemma in that when it raises the issue with the Minister, the response is that the matter is one for Donegal County Council, which owns the harbour. As I understand it, there are six harbours under the control of the Department and the lion's share of the funding is going to these. The report references the work going on at Greencastle in terms of landings, tonnage and so on, which means that it is obviously viewed by BIM as significant. However, it is not getting the investment it needs to develop industry there. This is particularly worrying for the fishing community in Donegal and other areas closer to what will become British waters only. Has BIM offered an opinion to Government on how harbours are funded?

My second question relates to aquaculture. BIM's report, The Business of Seafood, which is excellent, testifies to the growing contribution of the aquaculture sector in terms of job creation. The witnesses will have listened to the proceedings of the previous session. What is their view on the huge delays in decision-making around licensing such that, local community objections aside, decisions are made in a timely manner and there is a proper framework in place for the licensing system? I am advised by the aquaculture industry that people are bewildered at the growth in the industry in other countries and the failure to deliver on the potential of the industry here. Taking on board all environmental concerns there is a space for aquaculture in this State and we are not helping it to achieve its potential. I would welcome a response from BIM on its engagement with the Department over the years to address these issues.

I commend BIM on and thank it for the map provided. One cannot beat a map when it comes to showing the seriousness of a situation. Lest anybody doubts the impact of Brexit on our fishing community, the position is clearly indicated on that map. Perhaps BIM would elaborate further on its input in this area. The opening statement made on behalf of BIM commenced with the issue of Brexit, which testifies to BIM's concern in that regard but I would welcome further detail around the negotiations that may evolve, BIM's experience at a European level and so on. BIM has already made clear that Britain has said that control over its waters will be a key issue for it in demonstrating the benefits of Brexit. What advice would BIM offer to those of us trying to defend the interests of Irish fishing communities?