Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We asked its representatives that question and no answer was forthcoming; it just put the matter it back to the industry.

The final issue I wish to raise is not necessarily related to the Bill but relates to the fishing sector and the role of the Minister. The inshore fishing fleet, the white fish sector and the non-quota shellfish sector have obviously been massively impacted since the pandemic. The markets have been obliterated and the price of fish has dropped significantly given the restrictions and the closure of restaurants. There has been a drop in demand and that has caused significant issues for the sector. During the first lockdown, a type of tie-up scheme was introduced for the industry but it did not go anywhere near far enough for the inshore fishing fleet. In some cases, boats were only coming out with €500. It did not come near covering the losses that were suffered. The fishers have been through an incredibly tough time and have had to endure significant losses of income. When there has been a crisis in the farming sector, such as in the beef or dairy sectors, there has been a significant injection of grant aid to that sector. I ask the Minister to please consider doing something for the inshore fleet and the men and women who rely so heavily on fishing for an income to feed their families and pay their mortgages. Can consideration be given to some type of financial supports at a level that is much greater than what was introduced last summer after the first lockdown?