Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I will be very brief. Has the Minister met any representative associations on the specific issue of weighing on the pier?

I am clear on the additional costs that have been borne by the fishermen for the infrastructure that has to be put in place. I was unaware of the powers we had through the SFPA and the committee. I am unsure if this committee could hold these people to account. It looks like they are pushing ahead with this and that is it.

I have received emails and queries on the issue of health and safety on piers, including in regard to hygiene, toilet facilities or the limited space. Infrastructure investment is needed in some of our smaller piers. These are big issues and they have to be resolved.

I do not often agree with some contributors. We have lost several months and I believe we are playing catch-up on this issue. The representative associations need to be respected and communicated with. They need to be told exactly what is expected of every fish producer.