Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the most positive and important developments in recent times has been the establishment of a forum for the inshore sector. While it is still in its infancy, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, NIFF, is co-ordinating on needs and is being well used by fishermen. We will shortly be putting out to public consultation a number of policy matters that are relevant to the livelihoods of those involved in the NIFF.

However, the solution to the issue in question rests with the EMFF. This is the first time that we have had a substantial European fund backed by Exchequer funding. Provision has been made, but I urge those affected to become active in their regional forums before triggering it. The EMFF may not currently deliver on historical losses, but let us put it in place and ensure that the sector is protected in future. I appreciate that the kinds of loss the Deputy has mentioned, while not significant in an overall financial context, are significant for the smaller players. The EMFF is the vehicle, though. Unfortunately, it has not been activated yet, but we now have the forum and the funds within the EMFF to deal with the situation. I encourage those fishermen to get active in their regional forums, which are the vehicles through which redress will occur in future.

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