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

I do not have much time for the questions and maybe the Minister can reply to me after the debate. I spoke about fisheries yesterday and I will repeat some of what I said in case the Minister did not get a chance to hear it. I have consistently called on the Government, especially the Minister, to be straight with the fisheries sector and the public about why the Government effectively sold out the entire sector during Brexit negotiations.

The latest analysis released by officials in the Department of Agriculture and the Marine illustrates how out of touch the Minister is on this issue. The preliminary analysis now confirms that the transfer of quota shares from Ireland is a staggering 27% higher than the Government initially announced. The official report indicates a total loss to Ireland's fishermen of €43 million by 2026, with the mackerel sector, which is the most valuable to the Irish fleet, hardest hit. This sector faces a 26% cut in quota share, which is worth €28.6 million. Approximately 60% of this cut will emerge in 2021 so the impact will be felt immediately.

What is the number of EU, non-Irish, UK and other coastal state vessels that have authorisation to fish in the biologically sensitive area in the Celtic Sea, off the west coast, the Irish Sea and off the Donegal coast? How does the Government monitor the amount of fish that these vessels catch every day in Irish waters?

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