Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have talked about the profound concerns around the issue of mackerel within the waters of Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland. We have no relationship with ICES. This issue has dragged on. The Minister knows the concerns of our industry in that regard and in the context of blue whiting. I acknowledge that he has been engaging with the industry, but I am not exaggerating when I state that I am informed that if these two issues are not resolved in a fair way, it will be the final nail in the coffin for much of our industry. That is how serious matters are. I appeal to the Minister to keep the lines of communication with all the producer organisations open. A number of them have representatives in Brussels as we speak. As the Minister knows, they have engaged with the Commissioner. They are doing their utmost to make the case in the best interests of our country. I ask that whatever position the Minister is taking in negotiations be aligned with what they are asking for. They are sincere on what is needed for our industry. In the context of both issues, it is critical that we are aligned with the position of the industry, that we understand how serious this is and, bearing in mind that there has not been fair treatment after Brexit, that we get a fair share. The feedback our industry is getting is that a number of the other countries apparently support and sympathise with our position. I appeal to the Minister to be in constant dialogue with our industry and producer organisations, particularly those that are most concerned with pelagic fishing and the four larger producers. That communication should be ongoing on an almost daily basis. The Minister's senior officials should be talking to them on a daily basis in order to update them and do everything we can to get this right. That is all I appeal for.