Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)

Europe has been weak in coastal states. The very same Norway will attempt to gain access to fish blue whiting west of Ireland in the next number of weeks. We must oppose that completely and convince Europe to support us in the actions the Minister will take. Market access and trade restrictions for fish products need to be fully applied against Norway, as well as the Faroe Islands and Iceland. That can be done under regulation 1026/2012. It needs to be fully applied by the Commission.

We cannot have these coastal states destroying a shared fishery and expect to have zero consequences. The damage has been done and I can say hand on heart that in my years involved in fish processing and as Minister of State and as a TD for Donegal and Killybegs, they have complied fully with the restrictions and the regulations that have been laid down, whereas these other countries have fished indiscriminately and, as a result, we now find ourselves in the situation we are suffering. The European Union must apply the necessary sanctions under Regulation 1026/2012 and hopefully then they will come to the realisation they cannot continue like this.

Brexit hurt us and the TAC costs our fishermen in the region of €220 million. It is not all about the fishermen alone; it is about the many who work in the factories to supplement their other income from small farming. It is just a disaster and I do not think anyone fully appreciates this. It is for everyone in Government and the Minister in particular, and if it has to go to the European Council then so be it. It is too serious for Ireland to sit back and accept the consequences. I wish the Minister of State well in his endeavours.

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