Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)

I thank the Chief Whip for making the statements possible today. Deputy Mac Lochlainn and I pushed hard for this debate, which is of huge importance at the present time. I would like this to be an honest debate. I do not want to stand here speaking and not getting answers. I would like to get answers to the questions I am putting to the Minister. I want us to work together to save our fishing industry. This is where we are at.

The proposed 70% cut in the European Union’s mackerel fishing quota will wipe out the industry in Ireland. I was at a meeting of TDs and Senators the other night. I will tell the Minister that the fishers of Ireland are well pissed off - pardon my language - with successive Governments hanging them out to dry. The word that was used when describing what was happening in the fishing industry was “Armageddon”, as Deputy Ward mentioned. In the fishers’ own words, they are saying it is a total collapse of the sector. If current trends continue, there will be irreparable damage to coastal communities, livelihoods and the marine economy. The fishers say it is a point of no return and that, without immediate and decisive intervention, recovery may be impossible. They use the word “Armageddon” to wake up policymakers, including the Minister, unless the policymakers want to see the end of an era for Irish fishing.

My God, does the Minister know what is one of the biggest costs for Cork County Council at present? It is repairing the road into Castletownbere. From what? It is from damage done by Spanish lorries going into Castletownbere numerous times weekly to load Irish fish on Spanish boats, while our Irish boats are tied up with empty tanks. Those trucks driving out of Castletownbere are causing a world of damage to the road. It is astonishing. You could not make it up in a cartoon or a comedy because no one would believe it.

Today, I am not just a representative of my constituents. I am a voice for the coastal communities of Ireland that are being systematically dismantled by the failures of fishery policy at home and in Europe. The figures speak for themselves. In just the past seven years, the Irish fleet has suffered estimated losses of €90 million to €100 million. This is not just a financial crisis. It is a cultural and community catastrophe. Mackerel quotas have been slashed by 77%, costing us €66 million. Blue whiting is down by 41%, a €7.5 million blow. Prawns have been reduced by 12% to 13%, costing €4.8 million. Entire fleets are being shut down. The Celtic Sea fleet is effectively grounded. The Irish Sea fleet is barely operational. Ports like Castletownbere, Union Hall, Dunmore East, Clogherhead, Howth, Kilmore Quay, Killybegs and Greencastle are facing existential threats. Seventeen boats were taken from Castletownbere alone in the most recent decommissioning scheme. They are not just boats. They are our livelihoods, traditions and futures.

Despite Ireland contributing 12% of EU waters, we receive just 6% of the fish. This is a grotesque imbalance. Our fishers are being asked to stop fishing in their own waters while foreign vessels continue to exploit these stocks. Where is the fairness? Where is the sovereignty? The Common Fisheries Policy, compounded by the Brexit trade and co-operation agreement, has failed Ireland. Stocks are declining even though our fishers have reduced their catches year after year. ICES now describes the situation in the Celtic and Irish seas as particularly concerning, with many stocks falling below critical biomass thresholds.

We are being punished for our compliance. We need, first, immediate financial aid to support our fleet and communities, second, a succession plan to ensure the future of Irish fishing and, third, a legal challenge to the EU’s policy failure, if necessary. The legal mechanism exists, namely, Articles 263, 265 and 340 of the TFEU, to challenge unlawful conduct and the failure to act, and to seek damages. If our Government will not act, then we on this side of the House and the fishers must consider doing this ourselves. We also demand the application of the Hague preferences to allow our fishers to remain legal in their own waters.

What of bluefin tuna? Despite a massive recovery in stock numbers, Ireland receives no quota, only a bycatch allowance. This is unacceptable. What about our fishing rights off Rockall? Have we got those rights back? Are we going to get them back? Is this another kick in the you-know-what for Irish fishers? This is not just about fish. It is about fairness. It is about the survival of our coastal communities. It is about Ireland's right to fish in Irish waters.

First, can the Minister confirm what emergency financial aid package is being considered to address the estimated €90 million to €100 million in losses suffered by the Irish fleet? Second, what is his response to the fact that 17 boats were removed from Castletownbere alone under the most recent decommissioning scheme? What continued support is being offered to those families and communities? Third, why does Ireland, which contributes 12% of EU waters, receive only 6% of the fish? What steps are being taken to correct this imbalance?

I wish the Minister would take this down because these are very serious questions that come from the fishers, not from me. If the Minister can answer them, they and I would greatly appreciate it.

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