Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his commentary, overview and assessment, and for his engagement over the last period of time in regard to fisheries issues and, in particular, in regard to Rossaveal.

With regard to the designation, up to Christmas Eve, it was not clear whether Northern Ireland registered vessels would be able to fish in Irish waters. As the Deputy knows, it was widely reported there was a 50% chance of a Brexit deal. Thankfully, we had a deal on Christmas Eve and that means those boats will be able to continue to fish in Irish waters. It crystallised the issue in regard to access to ports and also crystallised the type of designation requirements that will be in place in regard to vessels. Subsequently, following significant engagement between my Department and the SFPA, we have put in place arrangements to try to accommodate those vessels. I will keep those under review but we have to work within the resources and capacity available. I pointed out previously that additional significant challenges are unavoidable, and it is important to point that out. I know those fishermen will be putting preparations in place before the start of February to be as prepared as they can be and to ensure they are able to work with that.

In regard to the shellfish sector and oyster prices in particular, last autumn, I launched a fund and a compensation package for the shellfish sector to try to help our oyster fisherman to address what was a very difficult and challenging year. I know that was very much welcomed, particularly by the IFA aquaculture committee, which had lobbied strongly for it, as well as the many fishermen within the sector, oyster fisherman in particular, who had a challenging year and made representations. I will continue to monitor the situation in the time ahead. They have been able to avail of the wage subsidy scheme, which has been very valuable and has been acknowledged to me by many as being important to them. I will certainly continue to engage very closely with the sector in regard to the pressure it is under.

With regard to the quota management committee, no proposal has been put to me but I will certainly consider any proposal I get. It is important that we have, and I very much value, engagement with the sector and with fishermen in terms of how quotas are allocated. I very much value the role of the quota management committee. There are many different views within the fishery sector itself in terms of how quota should be allocated, for example, when it should be allocated, and the quota management committee is very important in regard to bringing people together to try to provide appropriate advice to the Minister.

With regard to fishing waters and our quota situation, I can assure the Deputy I will be advocating in every way possible at European level over the time ahead in terms of putting Ireland's position forward and putting forward the tremendous resource we bring to the Common Fisheries Policy, and the fact that should be reflected in the allocations we receive. I will be fighting in every way I can. The Deputy knows, of course, that everybody will be fighting the same. As he said himself, success is never guaranteed but I can assure him we will be going there with all our capacity, all our effort and all our powers to try to ensure the best possible outcome for our country.

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