Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be doing all I can to fight for our fishermen and push at European level, as part of the Common Fisheries Policy review, to secure some of that bluefin tuna catch for us. As the Deputy well knows, the challenge in that regard should not be underestimated. I will certainly step up and do all I can to fight in that regard.

The Deputy knows the background, which I have well explained, of traditional catch records which went to inform how various quotas were allocated and how protectively every member state, including ourselves, holds on to them and tries to increase them.

We have to ensure that we fish in a way which is sustainable into the future. We must ensure we do not overfish and thereby undermine stocks. This means there is a ceiling on the total allowable catch which is dictated by the health of fish stocks. The move in 2019 in terms of a scientific catch-and-release scheme will, hopefully, give us some evidence to work with concerning the health of the bluefin tuna stocks in Irish waters. It will allow us to push hard at European level for that. I can assure all fishermen that I will not be found wanting. I will do all I can to make progress in that regard.

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