Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not true to say nothing has happened. I have spoken to the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, who has assured me that social welfare offices in and near fishing ports will prioritise fishermen in what is a very difficult period for them. She has assured me that if fishermen can show they have had no income for ten weeks they will get income support. Many fishermen have been getting income support. Some fishermen feel they should not apply on the basis that they are not entitled to it because they are self-employed - the Deputy is right about that. There is a perception problem here for many fishermen - they do not want to be going into social welfare offices but want to be out catching fish. While they are not used to do it, I encourage fishermen to approach social welfare officers in social welfare offices. They will find they will be treated with the compassion they deserve in terms of the income support they need to get them through a difficult period.

See this speech in context