Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the task force, it is not just about the value of fish and its impact. It is also a matter of what it means for the processing sector, employment and the spin-off sectors, whether engineering, boat-building, maintenance or the local economy which depends on fishing in coastal areas. It is important that the task force reflects that. I will consider any input from committee members about that.

I intend to set up the task force promptly. There is a three-month window to the end of March during which there will be parity in respect of the quotas that can be caught during that time, which is important. That was agreed in December but there is an urgency around this regarding how we support the sector in the time ahead. I want to ensure that the task force plays a key role in informing the way we go forward.

The Government stands ready to support the sector. We understand the impact of what has happened and the challenge to be faced. We are also very much aware of the fact that the sector still has a very strong future but that Brexit has had a real impact on it. We need to consider how we work to support those in the sector to address that in terms of the outcome of the negotiations and engaging at European level on quota discussions but also, domestically, in the context of how we can best support the industry and the coastal communities that depend on it in the time ahead.

With regard to scallop fishermen, there are real challenges now with regard to landing catches, particularly in Britain. We have seen the tremendous challenges the Scottish fishermen have had, and fishermen across Britain, in exporting their fish and the red tape involved. It is ironic that the British Government is having to come forward with a financial package to support them. That is a very long way from the scenario and horizons that were explained to them during the Brexit negotiations. There are significant challenges now with regard to additional red tape and how vessels land. I will further examine the particular issue the Deputy raised and revert to him on it.