Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)

I thank the witnesses for coming before us today. I recognise the importance of and the way of life brought by island fisheries. I grew up in Aphort in Arranmore and have seen the decline in fishing with Muireann's family probably the only ones fishing out of it. We have seen it keep on declining. If social welfare had been in place back when it was meant to come in, we would have attracted more people to this sector instead of driving them away. This has caused a decline that is worrying. Regarding small-scale vessel support, over 50% of fishermen are in employment but get only 14% of the fish. There is an inequality here, particularly when it comes to islands. They are already disadvantaged and more so with this. What are the witnesses' perspectives on the claims that the Department and island fishers have not fully utilised existing quota allocations that are kept for small-scale fishing?