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

I offer my sympathies, like every other Member, to the bereaved and their families.

These are extremely difficult times. I have a couple of questions that I will try to fit into the next five minutes. I will focus my questions on the main pillars of our country, namely, the farming, fishing and tourism sectors. The constituency I represent of Cork South-West is totally dependent on those sectors to survive but, for that to happen, the Government will have to dramatically step up its efforts. Farmers have been in crisis for a lengthy period but the current crisis could well result in hundreds of farmers being wiped out of business. The fast solution for farmers lies inside meat factory gates.

I ask the Taoiseach to intervene and stand up to the superpowers inside that factory gate to ensure the survival of those farmers.

In terms of my first question, the fishing industry is floating closely to the edge. Trawlers as well as inshore fishing boats are parked up to the pier, some of the vessels costing millions of euro. Many Irish fishermen and fisherwomen face ruin unless aid is given. Those people cannot survive on the €350 Covid-19 payment. What plan has the Taoiseach in place for those Irish trawler owners and inshore fishermen and fisherwomen? Also, are the current discussions between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael giving serious consideration to having a stand-alone senior Minister for fisheries in the new Government being set up?

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