Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive overview of the challenge and the potential quotas for next year. They will be up for debate at the Council of Ministers next week.

Near the end of his presentation the Minister outlined that the potential overall employment impact from what is on the table could be between 350 and 400 part-time and full-time jobs. That shows the significance and it sets out in real terms the potential impact of the fish quotas due for reduction next year.

To what extent does the Minister believe he will be able to mitigate what is being proposed at European level in terms of using domestic evidence and the Marine Institute? How much will the Minister be able to hold on to?

In the north-west area 6A there is a potential cut of 42% in haddock and 61% in saithe. What will the impact of this be financially and in terms of tonnage? Can the Minister explain the rationale behind that aspect of it?