Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It has been an extremely informative discussion for all of us. In fairness, seeing as there are politicians from each side here, which was clearly recognised, I think we should write to the Minister and give our view. An overwhelming majority was in favour of the Minister giving more serious attention to the serious issue of the 87% to 13% division of the quota. That needs to be addressed going forward. That is the overwhelming position from my reading of the meeting here today.

I also mentioned some other issues earlier on. I know they are side issues to a degree, but they are very important to many fishermen. Why does the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine not recognise courses given by the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy? Many fishermen find that very difficult when trying to do courses. They have to travel up to the North to have these courses recognised. They can be recognised here but the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is refusing to recognise them.

Perhaps this is down to us as politicians, but why is the social welfare system so unfair to the crewmen when boats are parked up? We have not really touched on that issue but it is something we need to look at.