Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

There is a Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries. The existing model is potentially an effective way of representing this country's fishing and farming interests. Ultimately, we need to continue our collective dialogue with the two domestic interest groups mentioned by Deputy McHugh on the issues they have raised. Continuing dialogue and engagement is equally important in the context of the European Union. As Deputy O'Keeffe said, we need to build friendships and alliances if we are to encourage others to understand our case. That is one of the significant challenges this country faces in the context of its membership of the European Union. Notwithstanding recent events, we need to try to maintain those alliances and preserve the goodwill that exists, in the interests of the farming and fisheries industries. The result of last week's referendum does not alter this country's requirement to engage with the EU's institutions and personnel, including Commissioners, on these specific issues and policies.

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