Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

There is an appalling disparity in the Government's allocation of our national mackerel quota. Only 2% is assigned to all vessels under 15 m, while 98% is given to a few much larger boats. Inshore fishers make up the majority of the fishing sector and they engage in the most sustainable type of fishing which has been practised in our island and coastal communities for centuries, yet they only receive 2% of the quota. Last year, because of this massive disparity, inshore fishers were forced to stop catching mackerel in June. I spoke on the issue then. In the meantime, I have repeatedly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to adjust the quota. He has refused to do so. It is very clear that last year's situation will be repeated. Small family fishers who are just getting by will again be restricted in making their livelihoods without policy change. Will the Government please reconsider this blatantly unfair policy?

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