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

I do, but the reality is that it would involve a maximum of 3 tonnes out of a quota of 22,000 tonnes across the European Union. It is welcome that the Minister has said he will discuss the matter with the Commissioner. That is progress because the Minister said previously that there was no point in even asking for a quota. If we do not go looking for something, we will never get it. I take on board what the Minister said about track records, but we are not looking to have a major commercial fishery or anything that would impact on any commercial fishery across the European Union. The quota for which we are asking might never be caught. I understand it has been estimated that there is about a 1% mortality rate in a catch and release fishery. The quota would be insignificant in terms of what would actually happen. What we are looking for is, theerfore, entirely reasonable. If we do not start a conversation with the Commission, we will never ever get a decision on the matter. It is welcome that the Minister has said he will start the conversation because that is progress.

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