Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)

I thank the Acting Chairperson, the Minister of State and my esteemed colleagues for coming in. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important motion tonight. It goes to the heart of the matter. It is not only strategic, but economic and deeply cultural and profoundly human, for the future of the Irish fishing industry and coastal communities depend on it.

I acknowledge the appointment of a dedicated Minister of State with responsibility for the marine, Deputy Dooley, as part of the programme for Government commitments. This is not merely a procedural development but a symbolic gesture that reflects the recognition at the high level of the Government that the marine sector, our fisheries, our coastal infrastructure, aquaculture and offshore require focused leadership, a clear strategic voice and a consistent voice at the Cabinet table. For far too long, marine issues were dispersed across multiple Departments, diluting accountability and slowing progress. The Minister of State for the marine is a welcome step towards better co-ordination, stronger policy delivery and a deeper appreciation of what the sea means for Ireland, not only economically but environmentally, culturally and societally.

However, we all know that the existence of a dedicated Minister does not on its own resolve the mounting difficulties faced by Ireland or its fishing communities when Ireland's industry is operating in one of the most challenging environments in decades. Quota reductions agreed at EU level, influenced by international negotiations, have cut deeply into the viability of the fishing enterprise. Brexit, in particular, has had devastating consequences. Ireland handed back far more quota proportionally than any EU member state. This imbalance is still being felt in our ports, on our piers and in our households and fishing families from Donegal to Cork, Howth, Dunmore East, Dingle, Castletown and many others. Rising operational costs, fuel prices, increased insurance, maintenance and regulatory compliance are pushing stakeholders to the brink. For some small-scale inshore fishermen and women, the pressures are magnified even further. Many are operating on tight margins and in some cases below the threshold of viability.

If these structural pressures were not enough, the impact of international agreements, including those granting access to non-EU states, have left many feeling devastated. They see others fishing in Irish waters while they themselves are constrained by reduced quotas. The question arises: how can this be fair? How can Europe allow this?

It is impossible to overstate the importance of the Irish fishing industry. Economically, it contributes hundreds of millions of euro annually, but the true value of the industry cannot be captured in figures alone. For many of our coastal communities, fishing is the backbone of our local employment, an anchor in our social activity and the source of our inherent identity.

Fishing is not only a job; it is our heritage. It is a culture built on skills, courage and respect for the sea. Places such as Killybegs, Castletown, Kilmore Quay, Howth, Union Hall and Greencastle are not simply points on a map; they are living communities that define their relationship with the ocean. The loss or decline of fishing activities in these towns is not merely an economic blow that threatens our very existence.

We also must acknowledge the substantial investment undertaken by the Government through the fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure development programme. This investment has delivered upgraded piers, improved safety features, enhanced berthing facilities, and vital modifications across the fishery harbour centres and numerous small community harbours.

Infrastructure investment is more than concrete and steel. It is the foundation of an economic activity. Modern ports are essential if we expect our fleets to operate safely, efficiently and competently. They also are the backbone of our shore-based services, such as processing facilities, cold storage, ice plants and service industries, such as net makers and engineering companies.

While the programme for Government is welcome, we cannot be complacent. Investment must continue, and in some cases be accelerated, if we are to sustain our fishing industry's future long term.

One issue that has become deeply contentious is the access granted to third countries, most notably Norway, to fish Irish waters under current arrangements. Let me be clear: Ireland is not opposed to an equal, balanced international agreement. We understand that fishery management is a shared responsibility and co-operation is essential for sustainability, but the perception and the reality is that Ireland has given far too much and received little or nothing in return.

Irish waters are among the richest fishing grounds in Europe, yet fishermen and women are being squeezed from both sides by reduced EU quotas and the arrangement that allows non-EU states to fish species they themselves have limited or no access to inside their own jurisdiction. This is not defensible. It is not fair and it is not sustainable. For that reason, this motion calls on the Government to advocate for fairer quota allocations for Ireland at EU level. I wholeheartedly support this.

This motion continues to press the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and our fellow member states to address the problems created by Brexit and other negotiations. Ireland should not carry a disproportionate burden of the loss. We must insist on a review mechanism of the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, a rebalancing of the shares and a future framework that recognises the scale Ireland has contributed to the EU, EU waters and conservation.

This motion calls on the Government to oppose any further concessions that allow third countries disproportionate access into Irish waters. We must speak with clarity on this and with fairness. Our waters are a natural resource. They must serve the interest of the Irish people, first and foremost. Any further agreements must be generally reciprocal and negotiated with transparency and demonstrate the benefits to the Irish fishing sector. There is no justification for granting expanded access to countries that already benefit from arrangements the Irish regard as excessive.

Third, this motion rightly emphasises the need to safeguard and develop our shore-based services, such as processing facilities, cold storage, freezing capacity, transport, logistics infrastructure, repair and maintenance service, and in value-added seafood enterprises. These services are the lifeblood of coastal employment. Without them, fish simply pass through our ports and leave no economic footprint behind them. If we want to maintain competitive, sustainable communities, we must ensure that fish caught in Irish waters are also processed, stored, distributed and, ideally, branded and marketed in Ireland. We should not accept the trend whereby raw product leaves our shore only to return as a more valuable imported product. This is not a vision of a modern, resilient seafood sector.

This motion calls for investment, modernisation and safety for the fishing fleet. Our fishermen and women undertake one of the most dangerous professions in the world. They deserve vessels that are safe, efficient and compliant with evolving standards. They deserve access to grant schemes to support engine upgrades, fuel efficient technology, improved safety equipment and vessel modernisation. Modernisation is not a luxury. It is a necessity for survival in competitive European and world markets.

We must target support for small-scale inshore fishing enterprises. These people are often the backbone of rural communities. They maintain the tradition, supplying local markets, and they have a minimal environmental footprint, yet they are also the most vulnerable to cuts and rising costs. Government support must be tailored to their needs. The sustainability of our coastline depends on the survival of these small enterprises.This motion calls for enhanced enforcement and monitoring to protect Irish waters from illegal or extensive fishing activities by non-EU vessels. That is essential. Ireland must defend its maritime sovereignty. We must ensure that vessels operating in our narrow waters adhere strictly to quotas, conservation rules and safety standards. We must insist that we get patrol capacity, surveillance technology, data systems and intelligence sharing. The regulatory framework for the sustainability of our marine resources depends on this.

This is not an abstract policy debate. These issues are felt deeply and personally in the homes of fishing families across the country. The motion recognises the challenges facing the fishing industry and its members, the need for stronger advocacy within the EU, the importance of defending our waters from disproportionate access, the role of the shore-based services in our coastal economies, the need for modern safe vessels, the vulnerability of our small-scale fishing enterprises, and the importance of robust enforcement to protect the fishing stock. In essence, it is a call for fairness, sustainability and a future vision for Ireland’s fishing industry that will bring new opportunities. For generations, our coastal communities have lived with the sea. They have respected and relied on the sea and have contributed immensely to our national identity. We owe them not only respect but also action. This motion is a step forward towards action. I call for fairness, a fair balance and for the protection of the sector that has shaped Ireland for centuries. We must stand together and united. I am pleased to support the motion and I encourage all members of this House to do likewise.