Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct, a no-deal Brexit next month could have a very profound impact on our fishing industry. As she pointed out, about 35% of the Irish catch is taken from UK waters and that would be lost to us in the event of a no deal and perhaps vessels from other countries that currently fish in UK waters may be displaced into our waters, so this is a matter of real concern for Government.

The European Commission is proposing even in the event of a no deal the current arrangements should continue in place at least until the end of this calendar year. Unfortunately, the UK Government is not signed up to that at this stage. However, as part of our response to a no deal, there will need to be special and exceptional support for the fishing industry. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, should be in a position to outline that on budget day.

See this speech in context