Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The SFPA is communicating and engaging closely on a daily basis with fishers and processors in respect of the management of the current situation. The Deputy should note that until such time as the EU Commission revoked the control plan, there was no such decision. That meant the SFPA had to respond and the impact that had in respect of fishers on the ground is relevant. Until such time as the Commission made a decision, there was nothing on which to consult. Once the decision was communicated, the SFPA was in communication with the sector on that. The authority has a challenging statutory role to carry out. It is a difficult role but one for which it is significantly resourced. It carries out that role within its the legal responsibilities.

The authority reports to the Oireachtas in terms of accountability. The joint committee had a meeting with authority officials earlier this week in line with its role and there was significant engagement on this issue. Several statutory agencies report directly to Oireachtas committees and this is the case with the SFPA.

There was a question about health and safety. The authority has a dual role that includes enforcement of EU regulations and the health certification and monitoring of fish on the processing side. These are the roles of the authority. There is no doubt that this poses challenges given the new situation. Nevertheless, the SFPA carries out both these roles and is in a position to manage this to the best extent possible.

I made a point earlier relating to the task force and the important role it is carrying out. My thanks go to the many people who are contributing to it and the many members of the public and public representatives who made submissions. During the past two weeks I have been holding a series of virtual town hall meetings. This has involved covering the entire coast piece by piece, meeting fishers, all those employed in the marine sector and all those with an interest or stake in coastal communities. The intention is to talk directly, discuss these issues and hear about the views, challenges and opportunities and how we can make the most of our fishing sector and coastal resource in the years ahead. Several committee members have joined in those town hall meetings. Anyone and everyone who joins in and wants to make a contribution is being accommodated. It has been a productive and constructive engagement. Because of the pandemic I have not had the same opportunity to be at piers and harbours as I normally might as Minister, yet I am keen to listen, engage and be influenced by stakeholders in our marine sector and coastal communities as well as those who depend on the sector and wish to see it grow and be fully supported in the years ahead. The town hall engagement is important in that regard. I encourage the Deputy, if we have not reached his county yet, to advertise this process through his social media channels and encourage people to attend. It has proved to be a useful engagement.