Results 11,341-11,360 of 23,995 for speaker:Charlie McConalogue

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank Deputies Sherlock and Mac Lochlainn. The Government is very much aware of the importance of the zero to 12-mile zone off Rockall for fishermen. Our position is resolute in that we have a strong tradition in that area. We will continue to hold that position. We are engaging diplomatically with the Scottish Government at present in trying to find a resolution to the issue that there...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank Deputy Sherlock. The Government is clear in its commitment to stand ready to support the sector to address the impact that the sector has seen as a result of the outcome of the agreement, both in terms of representing our interests in Europe in trying to address the burden share as part of that but particularly in terms of trying to address the impact financially, both in terms of...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: The outcome of the agreement, which in total involves the transfer of 15% of our national quota between now and 2026, affects all vessels of all sizes. The species most affected are mackerel, prawns and other whitefish species such as haddock, monk and megrim. It will affect many vessels. The Government is fully cognisant of this and stands fully ready to support the sector, as well as to...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank Deputy Matthews for his contribution and his insight into the issue of the future of our fishing sector. I certainly concur that there is a sustainable and healthy future for our fishing sector. We have to work on this, however. Obviously we have had Brexit hanging over us for the past four years and all of the damage that it could potentially do. While the worst impacts were...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank the Deputy for his contribution. I also want to acknowledge the tremendous work he has done and the engagement he has had with me in the run-up to Brexit, representing the interests of fishermen. Like my constituency, the fisheries sector is important to Cork South-West. In the run-up to Brexit, the Deputy took a constructive approach in championing and defending the sector to...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: Any option or idea will be fully explored. My objective as Minister is to ensure our sector is as strong as it possibly can be at European level and we have a strong quota for the various species. In particular, I want to address the outcome we have seen from Brexit. I am working closely with the sector on this and I will fully explore and take forward any idea and suggestion. Ultimately,...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank Deputy Mac Lochlainn for his acknowledgement on the effort that we have gone to to try to accommodate this. I am the very first to accept it does not fully address it and that we cannot, unfortunately, go back to the situation that pertained beforehand and access the arrangements that were in place. Unfortunately, it is a result of what has happened with Brexit and the radical...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank the Deputy for her contribution and overview of the challenges. On the Deputy's final point on producer organisation status for smaller groups, I certainly will work with them in trying to facilitate them where appropriate. Recently, I met the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation, which has made an application and represents approximately 40 vessels. I am working with it. It...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: Whatever the Deputy wishes.

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank the Deputy for his commentary, overview and assessment, and for his engagement over the last period of time in regard to fisheries issues and, in particular, in regard to Rossaveal. With regard to the designation, up to Christmas Eve, it was not clear whether Northern Ireland registered vessels would be able to fish in Irish waters. As the Deputy knows, it was widely reported...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I am very well aware of the issue in Rossaveal. Deputy Ó Cuív has raised it with me on several occasions and is constantly pushing on it. I will continue to assess the situation. I fought very hard on the Porcupine Bank at the EU fisheries Council meeting in December and we will return to it at the next EU Council meeting. I hope we will have additional quota between now and the...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank Deputy Murphy for his wholehearted good wishes and congratulations. Today's topic is fisheries and Brexit. I realise that is not a big subject in the Deputy's constituency and hence his focus on other issues. He has raised a number of issues and I will ensure that a written response is provided to him.

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank Deputy Calleary for his very considered and thoughtful insight into the challenge facing the fishing sector, in particular the challenges and difficulties it has had to navigate over recent months and the important junction we are at in terms of ensuring that we have a strong, sustainable and healthy fishing sector and industry into the future. Given the challenging times there have...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I thank Deputy Mythen for his comments. With regard to quota share, as he will have heard from my previous contributions, it is an issue I have been taking up at EU level with my colleagues and with the Commission, and I will continue to do so. I will be seeking constructive approaches with regard to the fact that there is an additional burden on Ireland in terms of the outcome from the...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: As long as it is from Mayo, a Cheann Comhairle.

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: The review of the Common Fisheries Policy is to be completed by the end of next year. The engagement on that will be starting later this year, but in the short term, in terms of the impact and the result from Brexit, my priority will be to ensure that that impact and burden on Ireland is made clear at European level. I will also look for constructive ways in which we can have that...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I think it would be more appropriate if Deputy Tóibín wrote to me with the particular matters that he has raised. I do not think it is appropriate for me to address this on the floor of the House.

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: From the outset, all of us nationally and in the fishing sector were concerned about the potential impact that Brexit could have on the fisheries sector. The Deputy is aware of how taking back the fish quota, reclaiming their waters and all of the fish caught by an EU fleet was made to be a number one priority by the British Government. The approach taken here was resolute and strong. We...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: I made it clear in my first response that we fought tooth and nail as a nation to ensure that there would be no loss of fish. That was what we were looking for. The British Government's approach was to take back 100% of all fish caught. Throughout the negotiation, our approach was to hold tight and not give anything up. Unfortunately at the end, in order for a deal to happen, there was...

Brexit (Fishing Industry): Statements (21 Jan 2021)

Charlie McConalogue: As the Deputy will be aware, if he has been listening to me over the last months and again today, our position at all times has been to defend the fishing sector tooth and nail, because we very much value it. It might be easy to present that as a sell-out. Our approach was to ensure that it was prioritised. If the Deputy has been assessing how the negotiation evolved and the Brexit debate...