Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that and I am looking at it very closely. In the run-up to Christmas, particularly during what would normally be a peak time, a very difficult position is facing our inshore sector. It is related to the wider international markets and the cost-of-living crisis internationally. We have seen a fall in crab and lobster prices and in demand as a result of that, and that is having a real impact. Getting the inshore sector organised has been really important and is something I have sought to push over the past three years. There have been good moves under way previously through the Inshore Fisheries Forums and the national fisheries forum to do that. The Deputy is right that the sector did not speak with a clear, strong voice in the past and was not able to punch its weight, hold its ground or advocate for itself within the wider fishing sector. Thankfully, now we have two producer organisations. They are as well resourced as other producer organisations. They get funding the same as any others do. It is important that they are in place. This is a challenge, however. There is no straightforward solution here. The European funding looks like it might not be an option. The budgets for this year and next year are done as well. I am looking at this, I acknowledge the challenges and I will continue to expedite that work.

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