Mr. Enda Conneely:

From the small-scale perspective, we have been recognised as a producer organisation but because of the way the funding structure is set up, it is not suitable for small-scale operators starting off. It is the same with the other inshore sector. We need basic infrastructure on piers and harbours that are used by small-scale fleets. We do not have power, water, waste disposal, lights or any of that stuff at the moment. We need some kind of a practical system to facilitate generational renewal. As I said earlier, everybody starts in a small boat. They get a taste for the sea and they just grow up into it. It is very important to have the base right so that we can do it.

Regarding the scientific stuff, the way they did the pollock was really bad for the small-scale fleet and the small local boats that do seasonal fishing. Having statements from the Commission announcing that it is going to facilitate this is good but we need a targeted approach. It is a bit like the way the BAR fund was delivered. It was handed out in such a parsimonious fashion and the fact that they had to give some of it back did not make any sense at all to us. This is an ongoing thing and we need to get very practical here, because we are stuck with a 12-year certainty of having 26% less than what we had. The review of the CFP may be an option. There may be opportunities for us with the new European ocean pact they are working on as well. However, at a local level, we need a hands-on approach from the Government and the Department for all the sectors and we need to just get on with it.