Ms Sinéad McSherry:

As we mentioned earlier, policy is a matter for the Minister. The hook-and-line mackerel quota was introduced in the 2010 policy and a level of 400 tonnes was identified for smaller vessels that were fishing for mackerel by means of hooks and lines. A key point to make is that mackerel is designed to be a high-value fishery, intended more for the artisanal market and direct-to-food markets.

As for the figures for landings in recent years, in 2022, they landed 165 tonnes; in 2023, 270 tonnes; and as of 1 October of this year, 203 tonnes of the 400 tonnes had been landed. One of the challenges the industry has indicated is that it is trying to identify a processor that will add that value and niche market aspect, which has proven difficult.

The Deputy asked what resistance there is within the Department. The changing or review of a policy is very much a matter for the Minister. We said earlier that in respect of the 2010 policy, there were amendments in 2017, which were the result of a full review and public consultation, and they are still subject to challenge in the courts. The Deputy identified the key issue with the mackerel policy. The 400-tonne limit does not change for hook and line, whereas when there are pluses and minuses in the general mackerel policy, that has an impact. We spoke earlier, for example, about 2025 being a difficult year for mackerel, but the 400-tonne limit will remain. The Minister has called on BIM to look at hook and line and what can be done to drive that value out of that product. Work was done this but more is definitely needed. We have also asked BIM to get Bord Bia involved to try to find the appropriate market to drive the value out of the 400 tonnes. As regards any change to the policy, I must reiterate that would be a matter for the Minister.