Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Will the Minister give an overview of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy and the discussions taking place at EU level in that regard? The inshore fleet, in particular vessels under 15 m, are finding it difficult in many inshore bays due to outdated by-laws. For example, trawlers coming into Inver Bay in County Donegal are tearing up the habitat of local species and are causing damage to fish farms. The implementation of a by-law dating back to 1875 would impose a fine of two shillings and six pence on those trawler owners. Those by-laws are outdated and I have spoken to Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, which indicated that the by-laws need to be updated. Will the Minister consider updating these by-laws to give protection to local inshore fishermen?

Will the Minister consider increasing the quota, in particular in regard to herring and mackerel, for small inshore, regulated and licensed boats on a seasonal basis?