John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The terms of reference given to the consultants were such that there could be only one outcome, that is, a complete ban on drift-net fishing. On the question of increasing the minimum payment, will the Minister consider the methodology for evaluating the licences? Certain individuals will not even recoup the cost of decommissioning their gear.

Given that the tax-free payment is quite minimal in certain cases, will the Minister not consider an option that would minimise the tax element? He said he is not obliged to make payments but the State has made substantial payments to the fishing community in the past.

Will the Minister consider the €5 million in community funding? He indicated at committee meetings that it would be distributed among State agencies. Will he not consider ring-fencing it in order that its benefits would be clearly apparent?

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