Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy knows, if we were to add up what was in all the Private Members' motions that come before the Dáil over the course of the year, we would double our national budget. Thankfully, we have managed the State's finances well over the past period, but it is the choices made at budget time that decide what funding might be available. That is not until next October. I am looking at the options available, however, because I recognise the need for short-term support for the inshore sector. I have been looking at options for how I can facilitate that support. That is what I am finalising the detail of at present.

We worked closely with the sector as part of the seafood task force. The inshore sector sat on that, as did all other representative sectors of the industry. The task force came forward with 16 proposals for schemes across the sector, one of which was the business adjustment scheme for the inshore sector, which I delivered. I delivered all the other schemes too. As I said, I am making final preparations for a scheme this year.