Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)

I will focus my comment on fisheries, the seafood sector and the wider marine space. Looking at the east coast of Ireland, we made serious mistakes as a country in developing offshore renewable energy in a way that took away the livelihoods of fishermen. That is how not to do it. However, there has been positive progress in recent years. I commend the work of the offshore renewable energy seafood task force. This has been looking to bring together both industries to work out a way forward that does not threaten the livelihoods of fishermen. As the Minister of State will know, it has been a tough number of years for our industry since Brexit. We need to realise the potential of offshore renewable energy but, in doing so, we must talk about co-creation.

I will also touch on marine protected areas. We need to develop such areas and embrace their potential but, again, there are a number of partner stakeholders. These include: the fishing industry, including fishermen; the environmental campaigners, who campaign on important issues; and the offshore renewable energy industry. All three have to be at the table. No area should be designated as a marine protected area unless the maps are co-created. We are not talking about drawing on a map and then consulting afterwards. It has to be done together. It has to be done in partnership. The fishing industry is up for this. It also has to be done with respect and it must look at the real threats to the industry. There is positive work we can do in the time ahead if it is done with respect. I commend the offshore renewable energy seafood task force for the way it has conducted its business. I get good feedback from everybody. These are not going to be easy issues to deal with.

The Government needs to strengthen the seafood section of the plan before us right now. We need to send a clear signal that there is a vision for seafood and fishing communities. We are surrounded by the richest waters in Europe. We have to do better as a country. The appointment of a Minister of State and a dedicated committee is welcome. Let us now strengthen the plan, too.

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