Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I wish to raise the issue of the fishermen in France who are protesting about high fuel costs by blocking ports. This is having a direct impact on many fishermen on the west coast, particularly in my own county of Donegal. Crab and lobster fishermen are being prevented from exporting their product to France. France imports approximately 13 million tonnes of crab annually, a significant proportion of which comes from Ireland. The Irish market in crab and lobster is being eroded by the blocking of French ports. I spoke to fishermen this morning who are fishing out of four different ports in Donegal. At present they have no livelihood because it has been eroded. I call on the Leader to ask the Minister with responsibility for the marine to come to the House next week, if possible, to discuss this important issue.

Many of these fishermen were previously salmon fishermen who availed of the opportunity to leave the salmon fishing industry, and the only form of income they now have is from crab or lobster fishing. However, this is now being eroded by events in another country. Some of these fishermen have expressed concern to me that this may affect their votes in the referendum on the EU reform treaty. This is something we should deal with in the House next week if possible.