Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

From speaking to fishermen, I know the challenges and the difficulties with not having a quota for bluefin tuna. The Deputy knows from talking to fishermen the challenge of changing quota allocations every year. He will also know how, whether it is mackerel, herring, haddock or whiting, we hold on protectively to our total allowable catches and how we would like to get more. If the total allowable catch increases in a year, we look to ensure that we hold the percentage we have of that species. We would not give away a single fish of it and would like to have more.

That is the dynamic in the context of bluefin tuna. Other member states would have a track record that we do not have. Accordingly, they have a percentage of the total allowable catch. As that has increased in recent years, they have held their percentages of it. I am committed to doing all I can, particularly under the review of the Common Fisheries Policy, to address that. I do not underestimate the challenge as everybody looks to hold on to their quotas. I certainly will be doing all I can within the Common Fisheries Policy review to fight on behalf our fishermen.

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