Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I full concur with the Deputy's analysis and vast experience. His name is regularly mentioned at the Council and in the European Parliament regarding the interest he has had not just for the Irish fishing sector but also for the sector at a wider European level. His insights were of particular importance. He is right in identifying that the fishing sector paid a particular price with the transfer of 26% of the mackerel quota for continued access to EU waters. There was a cut based on scientific information last year of approximately 20% in terms of our quota. There was 26%, followed by 20% and now a proposed cut in line with scientific advice of over 70%. By any yardstick, that is devastating. What gives me the energy to keep going is that we got support through the Brexit adjustment reserve with the cut of 26%. We will have to find a way to support the sector through a 70% cut until such a time as we see the biomass improve and stocks recover in line with the conservation methods set out in the scientific advice.

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