Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs

Quotas, Common Fisheries Policy and Sustainability Impact Assessment: Discussion

2:00 am

Photo of Timmy DooleyTimmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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It does. I have had this discussion with Dr. Kelly as to how we might respond and how we might try to understand the longevity of the crisis. If we set our limits in line with the scientific information, what would the return period be? He identified to me exactly what he said to the Deputy, which is that it is not linear. The only action over which we have control is the fishing or the reduction in fishing. That is an imperative. There are some, not necessarily here but outside, who would suggest we should ignore the scientific advice. Clearly, that is not what I will be doing nor would it be appropriate to do so. There are some who say we should fish it out for as long as it is there and to hell with it after that. That is not something I am prepared to contemplate. I am also mindful that just because we follow this pattern, it does not mean we will see a commensurate return because of the other various issues.