Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted the Minister of State is taking this question for the west of Ireland because I know he has a particular interest. The language about start-ups and "born sustainable, born circular" is wonderful. However, the Minister of State knows that the west region has been degraded by the EU. I know there is controversy around what exactly happened but all TDs on this side of the Chamber have raised the issue repeatedly. I cannot think of anything more sustainable and born circular than the seaweed industry and the potential there that has been utterly ignored.

I will move to wool, and the possibilities for an indigenous wool industry. Other than a wool council, around which the language is woolly, that possibility is not integrated into the plan. I think of the sprat. The Government introduced a fantastic policy to ban big trawlers from fishing within six miles of the shore. That policy was, unfortunately, held at naught by the court because of a failure to consult. There are enormous possibilities in that regard. I will stay within the time limit by way of example.

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