Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

Unfortunately, I have an unavoidable clash, so I will take my leave of the meeting in a few moments. The Leas-Chathaoirleach, Deputy Gallagher, will take the Chair for the remainder of the meeting. I apologise for that.

Before I go, I want to make a few comments. Last week we had the National Inshore Fishermans Association, NIFA, before the committee. As I said before, I am keen that this committee would give voice to the inshore sector and islands sector in particular. We see that the vast bulk of those engaged in sea fisheries, those who are dependent on sea fisheries for their livelihood in coastal communities, be they on the mainland or on our offshore islands, are experiencing many of the same issues. It is something that Deputy Mac Lochlainn and I have been engaged on with IIMRO, NIFA and many others around the coastline.

The role of this committee will not only be to give voice to organisations involved in sea fisheries across all types, but also to propose solutions to the Government. The witnesses mentioned in their opening statement that there is now a Minister in position. Our job is not the job of the Minister; it is to hold the Minister and the Department to account. It is to hold the Government as a whole to account to ensure it is doing right, not just by the fishing sector or the maritime environment, but by the coastal communities that depend on both.

I wanted to make that comment. I thank the witnesses for being here. I will hand over the reins to Deputy Gallagher. Deputy Whitmore has the floor.