Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

Before hearing a final round of responses to questions, I will make a couple of comments and pose a question of my own. Earlier, when the Minister of State was here, I asked him a question about attitudes and culture at the heart of government. I was shocked but not surprised by the results of the report alluded to by Deputy Mac Lochlainn. The lack of confidence and hope within the industry is devastating . One of the key findings of the report was that nine out of every ten respondents does not believe that the Irish Government is batting for the industry. There is quite clearly an issue with the culture and attitude to the Irish fishing industry within the Government over many Governments and over successive years that needs to be challenged. Most speakers here have mentioned that there has been progress with the appointment of a Minister of State and creation of a committee. I am interested in hearing the views of our guests on how we, that is, public representatives, industry representatives, the industry as a whole, BIM, various agencies and the Government, can lead a change in culture and attitudes in order that we, as a system, an economy and as a society, have a more healthy attitude that will inform political decision-making and the level of political prioritisation. With that, I ask each of our four guests to respond to the last three questioners and I advise that this is the final round.