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

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. Irish fishermen face uncertain times in Irish waters due to Brexit. In the UK British Ministers and MPs are making it very clear that when Brexit kicks in, Irish fishermen are to be kicked out of UK waters. This is how they will protect their fishermen going forward. What will happen when other European vessels are put out of UK waters? The real concern is they will head straight into Irish waters where they have been made more than welcome down through the years. The Tánaiste knows the position as a former Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine down. I want to make very clear that this is not a criticism of the Minister but a criticism of continuous Governments that have simply left Irish fishermen on their own. If this Government is serious about protecting Irish waters and fishermen now is the time to stand up and be seen. It must appoint a stand-alone Minister for the coastal communities who will stand with those who have been the poor relation in Irish politics for far too long, namely, the Irish fishermen and women.

See this speech in context