Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I agree with the sentiments he expressed and I share his disappointment. The European Commission sacrificed sustainability for expediency in the context of the agreement that was reached. Unfortunately, the UK authorities were blinded by the offer of 30 pieces of silver for short-term gain.

The point I really wish to get across is that the deal changes the game completely in respect of the sustainability of the mackerel fishery, not just for Ireland but also for the European Union as a whole. As already stated, the mackerel sector here is divided into two segments and I strongly urge that the Minister of State and the Department consider the economic impact this will have in terms of depressing prices in the longer term and giving rise to smaller quotas. I am of the view that, despite the initial reward relating to the deal being done, quota levels are going to plummet in the future. The latter is going to have an impact on both the RSW pelagic segment, which is entitled to be dealt with in a sustainable way, and polyvalent pelagic segment, which comprises the vast majority of those vessels that have an entitlement to fish mackerel. It is unwise to allow to be carried through a deal that is going to prove unsustainable in the context of one or both of these segments. I request that a strategic review be carried out in respect of the long-term impact of the agreement on the Irish fishing sector and on coastal communities throughout the country.

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