Mark Duffy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for being here for this very important discussion about vital supports needed for the fisheries sector. Since taking over as Minister of State, he has inherited many challenges in the sector. I thank him and acknowledge the work he has done on behalf of the sector and the support he has given Senators right across the House and Oireachtas Members generally. It has been an incredibly difficult time for the fisheries sector. Recently, Senators O'Donovan and Boyle and I hosted a discussion on the future of fisheries in the audiovisual room. It was a very constructive meeting with contributions from every sector affected. There is great generational heritage in the coastal communities along our coastline. They have been threatened and are at risk of decline because of reductions in quotas, generational renewal, depopulation and different threats that have entered the market, whether because of Brexit or increased costs.

This most recent shock to the sector, the fuel crisis, urgently needs addressing. I welcome the proposals and the commitment to support those in need. There are about 1,400 vessels in the country. I know the Minister of State mentioned that 800 of them are active but I reiterate what has already been mentioned. First, fishermen and fisherwomen who have boats, because of the small outboard engines that they go to the local fuel station for, may not have as many receipts. Can we have a scheme that is flexible and empathetic to the practicalities of each fisherman or fisherwoman and make sure they are all catered for and we do not leave people behind? I know there needs to be rules and this needs to be black and white, but there needs to be a little bit of grey in between to make sure that everyone is covered. In 2025, some people may or may not have fished for whatever reason, so it may be in 2024 when they were more active, and this year, in the summer, they may be planning to increase activity again, for whatever reason. Again, I ask that the scope of the scheme include a bit of flexibility and understanding. Whether the black and the white of the scheme is made clear, there should be an appeals mechanism and a little bit of discretion. Perhaps the Minister of State or BIM could have discretion to make sure in particular cases that people are not left behind and that there is accommodation.

We need to support the sector. Fishermen and women feel conscious of the ongoing decline against a backdrop of increasing costs. This is a great opportunity to let them know that we have their back, support them and want to make sure the livelihoods and traditions they have passed down from generation to generation in these coastal communities are supported and protected. In my county, Mayo, I work very closely with the inshore sector to make sure those within it are accommodated and supported. I have been fighting hard for them. I thank the Minister of State for his time in listening to these conversations and our advocacy on behalf of the sector. The more fishermen work together and unite around broad supports from the Government, the better the outcome it for themselves and for us, as their representatives. I thank the Minister of State again for being here and I look forward to his reply and perhaps clarification on some of the technicalities of the conversation this afternoon.