Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would still argue that the rationale to reinstate the voisinagearrangements, which have been in practice without a legal basis, has merit that is worth reflecting on in respect of all-island established fishing patterns. We will have to reflect on where all that fits into in the context of Brexit negotiations. Have no doubt that there are casualties to not proceeding with the arrangement as well. There are people who wish to have the entitlements they had previously reinstated. It is particularly difficult.

I appreciate the report the committee did and the views expressed here as part of the overall Brexit consultation process. As I stated, these negotiations are going to go on for quite a while. The input at different stages will be really important. The fundamental objective in the analysis of the issue and how we prosecute it is substantially done as we are building an alliance with member states, which is mirrored in the alliance of industry. There is another matter in the form of the Common Fisheries Policy. I take the point about having big and small guys. It might be true although not entirely accurate, as any generalisation is dangerous, but on accession our fishing industry was primarily all those small guys. They are in the inshore fisheries sector. We have established a forum for inshore fisheries and, by and large, these people fish non-quota species. They are not really in the firing line in the Brexit context because of the non-quota species, and they are not in UK territorial waters. Nevertheless, they are a very important part of the local economy, particularly outside the six established fishing centres. There is Ballycotton and other smaller piers and they play a very important part. We must ensure that with policy we are aware of their interests. Brexit will have an effect on this but we must reflect further on how we deal with the Supreme Court ruling in the context of the UK's decision.