Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is a nice overview of the press release from the Department last week at the conclusion of the negotiations, but it did not address any of the specific points in the question. The Oireachtas joint committee has written to the Minister asking that such provision be included in the operational programme.

Will any consideration be given to supporting fishermen through the operational programme of the fisheries fund?

It is interesting to note that of the €147 million referred to, approximately €72 million will be spent on data collection and enforcement. In reality, then, it is only around €70 million that will go towards investment in the growth of the seafood sector. Will the Minister include in the operational programme supports for fishermen who were affected by the storms which plagued this country and which could be repeated in the future?

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