Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Minister of State on his new role in this very new Ministry. It is fantastic to see. I have spoken to many stakeholders in the industry and the feedback on the Minister of State is that he is prepared to roll up his sleeves, get stuck in and get involved. It is fantastic to have a Minister of State like him going out to communities right around the country. Fair play to him in this regard. From a Government perspective as well, it needs to be acknowledged that to have a specific committee on this topic is fantastic. It has not been there before. Deputy Gallagher said this earlier and it must be acknowledged. Having a specific committee and a specific Minister of State dedicated to the marine is huge and shows the commitment this Government has to this matter.

I will be brief with my questions. I have two. I will roll them into one contribution and then I would like to hear from the Minister of State. Regarding the extension of the EU-UK trade agreement, we know this area is worth €1.25 billion to the economy and impacts 17,000 jobs. What would be the two or three biggest impacts the Minister of State would see this trade agreement having on the fisheries and seafood sector?

If I can be indulged, the Minister of State might talk a little about the Government's offshore renewables strategy. This is an area where there is huge potential. I would like to get some remarks from the Minister of State on this issue as well. I thank the Chair.