Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask the Minister four questions. I contacted him during the week about the scallop industry in Wexford. From 1 March, those involved in this industry are forbidden by the British authorities to land their catch at any British port. This will wipe out the industry. What does the Government propose to do about this?

The current cut in quotas of 15% is completely disproportionate and leaves our fishers, including the Wexford fishers, with a bill of over €45 million to pick-up. What is the Government's stance on this and what does the Minister propose to do about it?

My third question is on the charter boat industry, which is currently not eligible for the CRSS because it is not a bricks and mortar business. Will the Minister work to include it in that scheme?

My final question relates to inshore fishermen, who also have been neglected. They are considered self-employed yet they are obliged to pay harbour and marine charges of up to €2,000 or more. They have suffered a huge drop in price at market because of the collapse of the French and Spanish markets due to Covid-19. Will the Minister commit to the provision of assistance to inshore fishermen? If SMEs are allowed an amnesty in their rates, surely inshore fishermen should be given an amnesty in respect of marine and harbour charges.

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