Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)

I am not a member of the committee but this is my first opportunity to attend a meeting. I wish the committee well. It is an important committee as it gives a voice to the fishermen in this country. That has been lacking and it is great that there is a Ministry as well. I thank Deputy Mac Lochlainn for letting me jump ahead of him. I will get a chance to ask questions but I might not get a chance to stay here because we have a meeting and I should be at it as we speak. I will put a number of questions. The witnesses might take them down as with the time limit, they might not be able to answer them.

I have spoken several times in the Dáil about the immediate need for financial subsidies for inshore fishermen. The very valid point was made that nobody is arguing that artists are not entitled to funding but artists are receiving roughly €35 million and the inshore fishermen receive zero subsidy.

Another point is that access to social welfare for fishermen must be improved with fish assist. The witnesses might explain that to us later. French and British vessels continue to fish for bass on our doorstep. Unfortunately, Irish inshore fishermen do not seem to be able to do that. Why can they not do so when the French and British can?

The witnesses say that inshore vessels should always be allowed to land their catch at the closest port. This is obviously for safety reasons and others. Why is that not happening?

There should also be a dedicated hook-and-line quota for bluefin tuna. I have been saying that should be the case for the pelagic fishermen and for inshore fishermen as well. Throughout the world, every other country seems to have this quota and Ireland does not seem to be able to get its hands on any of the lucrative bluefin quota. These are ways of survival for the fishermen, to look at quotas that other countries have and why we do not.

We have a stand-alone Minister. Are we making progress? The witnesses might say that it is only 12 months but 12 months is 12 months. Is the inshore fishing group making progress in getting its point across about subsidies and new quotas? Is that happening under this Minister or are we in the same position we were in 12 months ago? The situation surrounding the north west advisory herring committee needs to be resolved immediately, as this group is now devoid of any inshore representation. Why are the inshore fishermen not represented on that group? Is the Minister helping in any way on that?

Regarding grant applications, someone wants to build a shed or do something that is beneficial to their job. Unfortunately, they have to pay 100% upfront before a grant can be drawn down. How do the witnesses envisage a way forward to change that? There is no point if the fishermen do not have the funding and are in a financial state that the banks will not back them. How are they going to get the money to build a shed or other structure and reclaim the money after? Can that be changed? Are there any talks on that being changed?

Regarding the brown crab working group, the witnesses are saying that it needs to be resumed this year and that regular meetings have to take place. Why have they not taken place?

I have been told on numerous occasions that the number of seals is at a record level. As everyone knows, their only diet is fish, so what do the witnesses see as the solution?

I have a lot of questions and the witnesses have only six minutes to answer. I ask them to do the best they can. I am delighted they are here. I should have said that at the beginning.