Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)

I welcome the fact that the Commission appears to be receptive to looking at the scientific advices on a case-by-case basis. It is a difficult task especially in mixed fisheries.

I am aware that the Minister is working closely with stakeholders. Anecdotally, there is a view among fishermen that certain stocks are replenishing. I refer to hake, haddock and, in some cases, cod. What measures or interventions are possible from BIM and the Marine Institute in terms of them becoming involved in collecting more data in consultation with stakeholders and fishermen to see how much stocks are replenishing?

Specific talks are taking place at the moment. I met fishermen in my constituency and I am sure Deputy Pringle has met some in his constituency also who did not take the money in the buy-out salmon scheme. They understood that if they were to take the money they would not be allowed to fish again. I accept the buy-out scheme for those with salmon fishing licences was offered under a different Department. Would the Minister consider examining the potential for fishermen who did not take up the buy-out scheme, who now find themselves in that situation, to consider facilitating them in the shellfish industry? I accept we are crossing from one Department to another. I accept also that there are not many fishermen in that situation but they were of the belief that they would not be allowed to fish again. Perhaps we should offer some facility to help them enter the shellfish industry.

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