Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late but I was present to hear the Minister's speech. He stated that the economic value of fishing to Ireland continues to grow and instanced that fish landings have increased from 246,000 tonnes in 2010 to 280,000 tonnes in 2013, an increase of 14% for which I am thankful. I also noticed he specifically stated "that the value of landings increased by 48%, from €208 million to €308 million" which is more good news. He also said, "In total, 78,000 tonnes of fish were landed from foreign vessels into our ports in 2013." Is there a possibility that a portion of that 78,000 tonnes could be taken in by our own fishermen? Is a quota stipulated for them? Could other fishermen with more vessels capture part of the 78,000 tonnes?
The Minister continued, "Seafood exports to non-EU international markets such as Korea, China and Hong Kong continued to grow strongly in 2013, reaching €175 million, which represents a value increase of approximately 7%." That leaves us in no doubt that the world is a small place, is getting smaller and there is greater access to the Far East. I believe there is a major market for our fish in the Far East and that we can increase our exports to the region. He further stated, "We are well on our way to establishing a foothold in this huge market." I agree wholeheartedly with him that the region can provide us with great opportunities to supply fish and seafood and that we should avail of those opportunities.
I come from Carlingford and Carlingford Lough is renowned for its oysters all over the world. As the Minister stated:

Irish aquaculture is at a crosswords at present, with many challenges to overcome in order to realise its full potential. The need to eliminate the licensing backlog is one of the key challenges currently facing the industry.

Are there other challenges that hold back the seafood industry from reaching its full potential?
The Minister continued, "The licensing backlog arises primarily from a 2007 European Court of Justice judgment against Ireland for breaches of EU birds and habitats directives." Perhaps the Minister will comment on that issue.

I acknowledge and welcome the progress that is being made in this regard, with a significant and sustained increase in licensing determinations expected next year. This is good news for fishermen, with in the order of 120 determinations projected in the first quarter alone.

Is there an opportunity for apprentices to be employed in the shellfishing sector? There are many seafaring families living along our coast whose young people would be interested in getting that type of start. There is great potential for jobs in this sector, including in the area where I live. An uncle of mine, the Lord be good to him, was a famous fisherman at a time when Carlingford Lough was renowned for its herring and mackerel fishing. In the days when it was a distribution centre, I remember one could often not see the harbour for all the fishing boats. They were 20 abreast and full of fish. That business has gone to Clogherhead, Skerries and elsewhere, but opportunities are there in lots of places and we should capitalise on them.