Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There has not been a change of approach from me. I have been consistent from the start in relation to working closely with all fishery representatives to try to get the best outcome as possible at European level. No doubt, the last effort was a strong one and everyone worked closely together but we also did that previously. For blue whiting, for example, before I became Minister, the normal transfer rate and the previous year's transfer rate to Norway was 9% of the EU blue whiting quota. Three years ago, in my first negotiation, I got that down to 4% and I have held it at 4% every year since, including this year. There has also been additional improvement in access arrangements. Working with industry has been important in that regard. All of us pushing the same boat is the way to go and achieves the best results possible.

On the north-west herring fishery, I recently launched a consultation to investigate reviewing it, particularly with the inshore sector. It is out for consultation at the moment. With spurdog and mackerel, it is about trying to be as fair as possible, which is my objective, and I know it is the Deputy's objective too.

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