Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister is restricted in some of the things he can say. Negotiations are obviously at a sensitive stage. I do not envy the Minister his job but I certainly appreciate his dedication to finding a resolution.

I will focus on the fishing industry and fisheries. I read a concerning report in The Irish Timestoday to the effect that France is seeking the lion's share of the €5 billion compensation fund. That will create a major concern for the Irish fishing fleet and industry. I am keen to hear an update, if possible, on where fisheries stand.

There are two aspects to this. The first is future access for the Irish fleet to UK waters. The Minister knows well that the Irish fleet relies heavily on UK waters for its current catch. The second is the issue of compensation and where we stand on the Irish fleet getting its fair share of the €5 billion compensation fund.

See this speech in context