Christy O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this matter, which I genuinely feel is of national importance. If resolved, it could contribute towards the regeneration of many coastal communities. The entire mackerel quota increase for 2011 should be allocated to the polyvalent fleet.

As of 1 January, Ireland has had in excess of 6,000 tonnes of extra mackerel quota to allocate. It is time for the Minister to make an equitable decision to allocate the entire mackerel quota increase for 2011 to the polyvalent fleet. This would bring the polyvalent share of the overall quota to 20%.

I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Connick, on his achievements at EU level before Christmas. The Minister has been very willing to meet industry representatives and for this I am grateful. However, I remind the Minister of the very positive socio-economic impact of increasing the polyvalent share of the mackerel quota.

The polyvalent fleet lands its catches wholly into Ireland, where the benefits to the economy from onshore value-added may be maximised. The RSW fleet lands approximately 80% of its mackerel catch abroad, with only approximately 20% being landed in Ireland. Switching landings to Ireland from abroad would lead to the creation of many extra jobs in the economy based on the expansion arising from the increased activity of the polyvalent fleet. The additional mackerel landed in Ireland would result in an overall increase in output throughout the economy. The coastal communities, which are areas of high unemployment, would be the main beneficiaries. The processing sector would add great value and there would be an increase in exports. In simple terms, it would mean extra jobs, extra salaries and extra disposable income.

The landing of catches abroad represents a leakage from the economy. In other words, the Irish economy does not get the opportunity to add value to fish landed abroad. It is bad enough to have the Spanish and French fleets fishing our waters and landing their catches abroad without our own fleet reciprocating.

The economy would benefit enormously if the entire 10% of the extra quota were allocated to the polyvalent fleet. As I have outlined, it would result in a significant increase in net output and create much-needed jobs in peripheral areas. I strongly urge the Minister of State to allocate the entire mackerel quota increase for 2011 to the polyvalent fleet so that we can begin the regeneration of our coastal communities. I urge him to take action.

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