Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Inshore fishermen have been hit hard in the past 11 years since the salmon drift net ban and that has led to huge job losses in the industry. Inshore fishermen have had one of the longest and worst winters in living memory. I have spoken to quite a few fishermen in west Cork and that is the feedback I have got. They are facing substantial losses as the lobster and crab season is very slow to take off due to the low water temperature. Fishermen lost tens of thousands of euro worth of pots and materials and now face the prospect of having to take out personal loans. They need help at this time. Could the Minister work with the banks to help those hard-working people?

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