Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have outlined to the Deputy how I have been fully plugged into the industry and its representatives in relation to the pressure that is there. I am also engaged in driving flexibility at European level in relation to how we can respond. I have outlined the scheme which has been submitted, and for which we are hoping to get approval. This will provide relief for the sector at a very difficult and challenging time. We have the Brexit challenge as well, which the sector has been dealing with over the last 18 months. This has significant implications for people in the sector. As Minister, I am working closely with them to respond to this at a national level, to support them fully and to maximise the capacity of our industry nationally to grow, to develop and to add value in the years ahead. I am also fighting that battle at a European level in every way possible to improve our position within the Common Fisheries Policy, particularly with regard to the review of that policy.

I am very much aware of the challenges. I have been very much in touch and engaged with the sector and fishers with regard to the pressures. I will continue to adopt that approach over the next while and also, very importantly, engage at European level with the Commission in terms of the flexibility for supports around that.

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