Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief as most of the important issues have been aired at this stage.

It is important that we acknowledge the contributions made by all of the organisations represented. Their core issue is that they want to make sure the fishing industry will be at the top of the agenda and will not be left behind. Our report and the contributions heard today are very important in that regard because issues concerning fish quotas, with fishing being used as a bargaining tool, are very much key and pertinent. The big issue for the committee is taking on board the comments we have heard today and making sure they will become one of the key focal points of the report we will be submitting to the Government. It will be the ultimate document for us as a committee.

A key and frightening statistic is evident on the map that shows the territorial waters of the United Kingdom. Their scale indicates clearly where we are going and what we need to do. If we lose access to or quota rights for these waters, the knock-on effect on the fleet will be absolutely frightening. If there were to be no access to European markets, we would then be stuck with only a percentage of the quota left for European waters. What would the knock-on effects be on the fishing fleet and the processing industry? These figures represent the key issues we need to consider. If we have figures indicating what could be the doomsday scenario, they could be included in the report in order that the Government could strengthen our hand to ensure the fishing industry could and would be protected.