Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Cuirim fáilte roimh na finnéithe ar fad. Ba mhaith liom aontú le beagnach gad rud a bhfuil ráite acu faoi na moltaí. I apologise on behalf of Deputy Ferris who could not attend. Unfortunately, I must leave to attend proceedings in the Seanad in a moment.

The witnesses made a number of important points which the sub-committee should consider pursuing. Mr. Early referred to an amendment providing for special recognition for islands in the Common Fisheries Policy and asked how this could be made to work. Perhaps the sub-committee will ask departmental officials or those involved in drafting the amendment at European Union level what are the implications of such recognition and how we can make it work best for Ireland. From what I have heard, the witnesses are knocking at an open door in this sub-committee whose members have echoed most of what they have said, especially with regard to the length of boats. The sub-committee will revisit this issue based on the evidence provided today. It is important that we examine this issue.

Mr. O'Brien stated there are no inshore boats that are less than 30 years old. Perhaps the sub-committee should seek to obtain some data on that issue. While figures may have been furnished to us, it may be worthwhile to revisit the issue on foot of statistics becoming available on the age of boats.

Mr. O'Brien also raised the important issue of the role of Údarás na Gaeltachta and the IDA in supporting fisherman. The former was able to provide a certain amount of grant aid in the past but this was discontinued, probably for legal or policy reasons. It may not do any harm to ask Údarás na Gaeltachta and the IDA to clarify whether they are in a position to give support to the fishing industry and, if so, how they would be able to do so. Perhaps these organisations must now defer to Bord Iascaigh Mhara in respect of this type of work. I am aware that they were able to provide some support in the past.

On the manner in which the fishing quota is divided, this issue did not arise today or yesterday as it has been around for a long time. The quota comes within the remit of the Government and must be addressed if we are serious about keeping rural and coastal communities vibrant. I apologise again as I must leave to attend the Seanad.