Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There has been a very positive recent development in the fishing and seafood industry. The producer organisations, Killybegs Fishermens Organisation, Irish Fish Producers' Organisation, Irish South and West Fish Producer's Organisation and the Irish South and East Fish Producer's Organisation, have united with the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association. That is five major organisations uniting with one purpose, namely, to look at the project of engaging with the European Commission. They have asked the Irish Government to have a much more dedicated focus in terms of the Department of the marine. It is clear we face a profound crisis across the fishing and seafood industry and that has led to this initiative sending a clear message to Government to work in partnership with the industry. There is a sense the Department and Minister, while meeting and engaging, do not have a clear and resourced plan. We need dedicated officials based in Brussels and dedicated attachés and staff. We need to look at something like a "Fish Ireland" office like we have Fáilte Ireland to promote the industry and aims. Will the Minister of State talk to her colleagues about that welcome development, embrace it and work in partnership with the organisations involved?

See this speech in context