Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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I have a couple of questions that relate to supports. We often talk about supports for the fishing industry in terms of the mackerel and wider pelagic species crisis around quota, and inshore fisheries and the challenges they are facing. The refrain we hear, which we understand and accept, is that fishers do not want supports, but to be able to fish. I am sure it is the same for those involved in aquaculture. They do not want supports. Rather, they want to be able to conduct their business well, create employment and turn a profit by producing quality protein. However, there has already been reference to storm damage from significant weather incidents and there will also be mass mortality incidents arising at different occasions. We have discussed one previously. Are there supports available? What further supports could be made available?

Regarding the oyster industry, it has already been referenced how patient one must be, not just in terms of the licensing process, but in terms of the life cycle of several of these species. There is a three-year life cycle for an oyster and if there are mass mortality incidents over a number of years in a bay, it can wipe out an entire industry in that region. Are there supports available in those instances? Has there been any communication from the Department or the Minister regarding supports for the oyster industry in particular and the aquaculture industry more broadly?