Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

While I realise the issue I raise was discussed yesterday, the future of the fishing industry is a matter of great importance. This morning, we awoke to learn that the European Commission is calling for the north-west fishing grounds to be closed to the whitefish fleet. Will the Deputy Leader ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss this specific issue?

In response to a serious problem with our ageing fleet 12 years ago, the current Administration proceeded with a renewal of the whitefish fleet. Of the 37 new vessels, 16 operate from Greencastle. We have had the Cawley report and decommissioning schemes and the industry endured significant pain in an effort to become competitive and safeguard its future. Despite many fishermen being unable to join the decommissioning scheme, the European Commission is asking them to start paying for their new vessels while refusing to allow them to fish to secure the income they need. This is a serious issue.