Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I support the motion that has been brought forward by Deputy Michael Collins and his colleagues. I commend the work that is going on and the work of our spokesperson, Deputy Mac Lochlainn. It does not require intimate knowledge of the fishing industry to understand the injustice that has long been foisted on fishing communities across the State and the missed opportunities that exist, particularly in the context of the much greater popularity of seafood. There is no doubt that issue must be addressed. There is an incredibly long tradition and history in fisheries. The industry is of vital importance to communities.

I wish to address a somewhat niche issue with the Minister, but opportunities to address it are rare. The issue relates to fishermen and fisherwomen who are involved in inland fisheries. I am thinking in particular of Cork Harbour. The issue falls under the responsibility of a number of Departments, primarily the Department of Social Protection, which is something of an anomaly. Unfortunately, the issue of inland fisheries is seen by the Department of Social Protection in the context of tourism, angling and so on. Those are valuable things which bring value to local communities. There is, however, a tradition in large harbours, such as Cork Harbour, and in villages such as Passage West, where families involved in the industry include the Murphys and Howards, including Mr. Jack Howard. People in those areas have been fishing for many generations. The same is true of the Coholan family in Blackrock and others like them. These are communities in which fishing was once a very large industry, but because of the development of Cork Harbour and other things, it has diminished. These are primarily draft net fisherman who are very low as a priority. The say they have with the Inland Fisheries Board is very limited because the focus is on angling. Some of these fishing crews would go from inland to inshore. I urge the Minister to use whatever scope he has to raise the matter with his colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, and try to give a greater voice to these communities. Culturally and historically, they are similar to the inshore fishermen. They are trying to make a living but it is difficult because the quotas are so low and there are issues involved. They understand the science and want to be a part of the solution. They want to work with Inland Fisheries Ireland. This is a tradition with long roots and it would be a shame to see it eliminated entirely. Few of these fishermen and fisherwomen are left. Cork Harbour is one place where they remain. There are also a few other small places on the lakes and at inshore areas on the coastline. It is important the two Departments work with these inland fishers and draft net fishermen to support their ongoing businesses.

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