Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)

I speak in strong support of this motion. My fellow Fine Gael Senators Boyle and O'Donovan have been at the forefront since becoming Senators in protecting the livelihoods of fishing communities in counties Donegal and Cork. That has to be respected. This motion speaks directly to the livelihoods of all our coastal communities and the fishing villages that have sustained Ireland for generations. I acknowledge the appointment of Deputy Dooley as Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and the marine. As stated already, this is a solid move. His recent announcements of funding for harbour developments and the FLAG coastal community schemes are welcome. These must be matched with stronger protections for our fishermen and fisherwomen who face urgent and complex challenges. In Kerry's beautiful coastal fishing villages and towns, from Dingle to Castlegregory, over to Portmagee, Cahersiveen, Valentia Island, Cromane and Fenit, fishing is more than a job. It keeps our local economies alive, carries on traditions and holds our communities together, but our fishing families are under real pressure. Quota cuts, higher fuels and running costs and tough international rules are making it harder than ever for them to survive. Government investment in our ports under the fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure development programme, from which I welcome the contribution of €470,000 for the Dingle pier, is welcome but vigilance is still required. We cannot ignore the irresponsible behaviour of third countries like Norway, which has been mentioned, that refuse to set total allowable catches in line with the ICES scientific advice nor can we accept the arrangement that grants disproportionate access to Irish waters while disregarding sustainability. This undermines not only our fishermen but the very principle of fair partnership within the EU. That is why this motion calls on the Government to invoke the Hague preferences at the appropriate time to oppose further concessions and to safeguard shore-based services, processing, storage and transport that will keep jobs and economic activity alive in our villages. It calls for investment and modernisation in safety measures for our fleet and for targeted supports to small-scale and inshore fishers who are the custodians of traditional fishing practices and the heart of our coastal identity. This is about more than quotas and negotiations. It is about protecting the dignity of the work and sustaining our beautiful communities where every catch supports a family and ensuring that Ireland's fishing villages from Donegal to Kerry remain vibrant for generations to come.