John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I share Mr. Gaffney's frustration. Politicians have also failed him in this process. He is frustrated at being kicked between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Transport. I have raised this issue with both Ministers, Deputies McConalogue and Eamon Ryan. Both Departments keep kicking the issue back to the other and no one is taking responsibility.

I know that a potential solution has been put on the table. In his opening statement, Mr. Gaffney quoted a letter the EU wrote to Sean Kelly MEP, stating that "in terms of addressing the loss Mr Gaffney has suffered, on a previous occasion the possibility was outlined that the case might be addressed through the European Fisheries Fund", but that is something the EU cannot initiate and it is up to the member state. It is up to the Irish Government to initiate that process. Perhaps Mr. Gaffney would talk us through whatever feedback he has had about initiating that process.