Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of the fishing industry. On Wednesday last, I attended a major protest when 50 or 60 vessels sailed up Cork Harbour to protest about where the fishing industry is at the moment. The industry has been through a torrid time. Brexit has been a major issue and fishers are unsure about where the markets will go. The new requirement to weigh fish on the pier side is a huge issue, as is the question of how to make the sector sustainable and comply with health and safety and food regulations. There is an awful lot at stake when it comes to the fishing industry. Fishers feel let down and left behind in the economy. Coastal communities need our support. I would appreciate a genuine debate in this House on the key issues affecting the industry, how it will develop and, more importantly, the confidence required to ensure fishing can be an economic driver in rural Ireland.

Quota issues, regulation and Brexit have taken the energy and life and soul out of the industry. On atypical work permits and efforts to get staff, major changes in the past few weeks have affected the industry's ability to get people working in it. We should have the Minister come to the House for a debate on the fishing industry and to outline his views on the Brexit regulations that entered into force on 1 January, atypical work permits and how they will affect the industry going forward and the new regulations on weighing fish at piers. These are major issues for the fishing industry.

The spectacle of 50 or 60 vessels sailing up Cork Harbour last Wednesday morning was a sight to be hold. It showed the frustration in the industry that these families came from all over the State to prove a point. They believe they have been left behind. We need a debate in the House about how we can work with the fishing industry and coastal communities to make sure everyone moves forward together.