Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Rourke and all the members. Deputy Crowe referred to the fishing industry and the threat to the livelihood of Irish fishermen. What has emerged in recent days is an important development. Even without that there is an imbalance in the quotas and restrictions on Irish fishermen. In County Kerry, Deputy Ferris, the spokesperson for Sinn Féin, is always to the forefront on this issue. We are deeply concerned about the future livelihood of fishermen because if what they are facing becomes a reality they could be wiped out. They have suffered enough through the decades since we first joined the then EEC. Their ground, if we could call it that, has been taken from them. If what the UK has announced comes to pass, it will be an awful situation. I trust in the Minister of State and her colleagues to fight on behalf of fishermen and to put this matter at the top of her agenda. I invite the Minister of State to respond to the questions that have been asked. We understand that she will have to condense her response.