Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)

Like my colleagues, I welcome the National Inshore Fisherman's Association to our meeting today. It is a long time since I met with representatives of the association. However, a lot of the problems are still the same.

I looked at the presentation relating to sea bass. What needs to be done there? At the moment it is just for angling purposes. Years ago, it was the same for salmon. I was totally opposed to the termination of drift netting for salmon. We were told at that time by those in Iceland and by those in this country that if we ban drift netting it, there would be plenty of salmon for the anglers. It would be interesting to have the witnesses' view on what the stocks of salmon are like. Maybe, after many years, it is time the State looked at the stocks of salmon and considered reopening them. There is no point in us blaming Europe all the time. Europe has no control over that. We have that control within our own country.

I could not help but note that inland fishermen are almost an extinct species. I look at all the others receiving supports such as the artists receiving €35 million because they are part of our culture. However, inshore fishermen are part of the culture and heritage as well. If we do not put a stop to it now, and try to assist them, we will not be meeting in a number of years because inshore fishermen will be totally extinct.

We can be very supportive here, but we do not want to give the impression we have the answers to everything. We can make a case to the Minister on behalf of the National Inshore Fisherman's Association. The representatives will make their own case with their very good presentation. This is a good document for us to use.

In the old days, I was very familiar with Baginbun and Dunmore, and right around the coast over to the south. I have not been down there for a number of years. I am more familiar with the designated ports. I was taken aback to think the designated ports are only Baltimore and Dunmore East. Of course, a fisherman can go into any port if it is force majeure, but he cannot claim a force majeure every single time. Of course, there is the 10 tonnes idea for landing at designated ports. I know the witnesses do not have the answer but who was the individual that decided unilaterally that should be 10 tonnes? Why is it not 12 tonnes or 20 tonnes? It is the same principle. There should be more designated ports. There are plenty of SFPA officials. If they get an hour or two-hours notice and are hailed, they can be there to do it. When I look at the north-west coast, which Mr. Menarry is more familiar with, from right around into KIllybegs, crab vessels have to go around there, and an accident is going to happen. Then it will be too late.

Regarding bluefin tuna, I am not so sure what is meant that there must be more meetings on this.

Sprat has not been mentioned. Next year, or some time afterwards, there is going to be restrictions on the baselines for sprat. That was announced by the Minister for agriculture some time ago. Is there a sprat fishery? Years ago, there was a big sprat fishery in Cobh and Dunmore East, but the witnesses have not mentioned it. Are they involved in that?

I have been reminded of the days of Brendan O'Kelly, which is going back a long time. He was chairman and chief executive of BIM. At that time, no one could afford to build the 50-footers. BIM built the boats at that time down with Joe O'Boyle in Dingle, and up in Killybegs and maybe elsewhere. It gave an opportunity to get a foot on the ladder. However, now fishermen have to go to the banks and, my God, it is hard to get money from banks. They will not give it to them. There will have to be something put in place. Hopefully, between the Minister, BIM, and the Department of Finance, they will put some scheme in place that means fishermen would not have to complete the job. Then when the job is completed, it takes some time before it can be signed off and they get their money. That is something we should be looking at.

The submission states: "The BCWG (Brown Crab working group) needs to be resumed". I am not so sure what that means, but there should be regular meetings.

I would also support regular meetings between the association and the Department. That should happen. It should not be once a year. That should happen a couple of times at least so it can highlight the issues. I know it is not popular to talk about culling seals but, by God, seals' food is fish and something has to be looked at there because seals are consuming a lot more fish than the fishers are landing. Mackerel and blue whiting are as much part of the fishery and require that intervention. I am sure the Minister of State will look at the possibility of ring-fencing a percentage for the association's members.

I am glad the witnesses are here. We will be glad to meet them anytime. In particular, we will meet our Donegal friend to assist in every way possible. The meeting today was important. He might be a member of my own party but I believe the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, is a good listener. He is fair and will give them a good hearing. However, a good hearing is not good enough. There has to be follow-through.