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

Fourth, will the Minister commit to pushing for the application of the Hague preferences to ensure Irish fishers can legally fish in their own waters? Fifth, why is Ireland being denied a dedicated quota for bluefin tuna despite a clear recovery in stock levels and historical fishing effort? Sixth, does the Minister accept that the Common Fisheries Policy and the Brexit trade and co-operation agreement have disproportionately harmed Ireland's fishing sector? Seventh, will the Government consider initiating a legal challenge under Articles 263, 265 or 340 of the TFEU to seek redress for these policy failures?

Eighth, how does the Government explain the continued decline in fish stocks despite Irish fishermen reducing their catches over the past seven years? Ninth, what is the Government’s position on ICES recommending zero TACs for key species in the Celtic and Irish Seas, effectively shutting down entire fleets? Tenth, what is the Government’s plan for succession and recruitment in the fishing industry to ensure its long-term survival? Eleventh, will the Government commit to a full review of Ireland’s share of blue whiting, given the massive biomass and the unfair allocation of just 59,000 tonnes from a TAC of over 1.4 million tonnes? Twelfth, are the Minister and Minister of State going to agree on the 70% proposed cuts on mackerel quotas? What is their plan for other quotas for these fishermen who want to work in the sea?

I urge them to stand with these fishermen. I had a meeting with them. It is at crisis point. It was at crisis point without ever a worry of a 70% mackerel cut. That is game over for them. People have invested in fishing. I have been down in Wexford and in different ports meeting with fishermen. It is the same down in west Cork. People have spent millions of euro investing in their boats, fleet and staff, and to think this is what is facing them. They are facing ruination. It is a serious crisis. I urge the Government to stand with us, fight for our fisherman, demand reform and if reform is denied then let us challenge the injustice in the courts of Europe.

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