John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply and remind him that up to four years ago Iceland and the Faroe Islands had little involvement in the mackerel fishing industry. Does the Minister accept illegal fishing, coupled with the legitimate quotas of the EU and Norway, will devastate the mackerel industry and have serious consequences for the Irish industry in particular? What steps will he take to resume talks at European ministerial level? Where will the Gallagher report fit into these talks when they recommence? There is urgency about this issue. The mackerel industry in Ireland is at boiling point. I accept the Minister is doing his best but there is a need for an urgent meeting at EU ministerial level.

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