Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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I thank the witnesses. From the discussions we have had to date, it is safe to say there is a real need or want within the committee to prioritise low-impact fishers. We recognise that they are continually being squeezed into a harder and harder situation in regard to their ability to not only make money from their craft, but to undertake that craft.

I am looking at some of the information provided to the committee prior to the meeting. An important point was made. We are in a situation where Ireland has committed to the marine protected areas legislation. I believe that fundamental to this being successful is the incorporation of low-impact fisheries in the legislation and ensuring there is prioritisation of people who fish sustainably within that. Unfortunately, the Government seems to have stalled, and it is now not sure how it is going to move forward with that legislation. Is that a concern for the witnesses? I would imagine that IIMRO has had discussions about the potential of this Bill coming in. Do the witnesses see this Bill as presenting the possibility of a different future for low-impact fishers and island communities? There is information in the documentation about Dr. Ruth Brennan. Apparently, Scotland has used its marine protected areas legislation to prioritise fishers in order to ensure there is a healthy future for them. There is a real opportunity there.

The witnesses mentioned the social welfare changes. Can they specifically spell out what that would mean so we have that information?