Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will meet with Iascairí Intíre na hÉireann, a fishermen's organisation representing inshore fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40445/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Inshore fisheries form an important part of our overall fishing sector and I am well aware of the wide range of issues which people who are making their living from this type of fishing face on a regular basis. Most of our inshore fisheries are operated by local people who are an integral part of our rural and coastal communities. This type of fishing is an important source of income for many who live around the Irish coastline as it not only provides direct employment but also supplies very important produce to a range of outlets, from retail and restaurants to seafood processing units.

I am not aware of having received a request for a meeting from Iascairi Intire na hEireann but I know that members of this group have previously met with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, who are responsible for development of the seafishing sector. BIM staff work closely with all players in the sector to promote the development of the fishing and seafood industries. If the group wish to have further discussions to explore areas of interest or concern with BIM a further meeting can be arranged. Officials from my Department would also be available to meet with a delegation from Iascairi Intire na hEireann if there are issues that require further discussion.