Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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92. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 13 July 2023, if he will provide an update on plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat industry, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; if he has received the updated scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara on trawling within the six-nautical-mile zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46984/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Further to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 13 July 2023, I can advise that work is being carried out on the up-to-date scientific and economic advice by the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, respectively, on trawling in the waters inside the 6 nautical miles. It has been five years since the original scientific and economic advice was compiled and the public consultation on this issue took place. My Department is in the process of identifying policy options for my consideration and I remain committed to ensuring inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels.