Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State and congratulate him again. He has impressed me very much to date and I wish him very well in future. He is well on top of his brief. This is very important. I have several questions. Does he believe that inshore fishing should get a fairer share of the pelagic quota as it now comprises over 90% of the fleet? When will inshore bluefin quotas be introduced? Is there any update on the north-west herring advisory committee? I understand that inshore fishermen have lost up to €10,000 each since 2020 due to the impact of Covid, Brexit and the war in Ukraine. I am informed this is what the crew members, never mind the skippers and owners, have lost. Can financial aid be provided as a matter of priority so they can continue in business as primary producers?

I wish to raise something very close to my heart, as the Minister of State is well aware. I refer to the matter of pair trawling. The students at Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine in Kenmare in south Kerry undertook a massive campaign. This is a major issue all along our coast, especially in Kenmare Bay and Dingle Bay. I see pair trawling regularly outside my home in Rossbeigh. If we do not act now, untold and irreparable damage will be done. It is so important we support future generations, to be honest. The sprat stocks have been wiped out. This is not just affecting all other species but impacting the small fisherman, the man with the rod, the guy with the small boat and, indeed, the small-to-medium-sized trawlers. In that regard, when will the ban come in? When will the 6-mile limit be introduced? Does the Department believe in supporting the introduction of the 6-mile radius?

I emphasise the importance of our seafood industry. Ireland can pride itself on how successful we are.