Timmy Dooley
Clare · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I thank both Senators for the amendments they are putting forward and the sentiment behind them. I will deal with the points about the emergency. The Government made it very clear that a decision was taken, based on a decision taken by the previous Government in November 2024.”
“The State has taken a view, however, that is consistent with our desire and our commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, and onwards to 2040 and 2050, that this facility is strategic, as it says, that it is only for storage and that it is not meant to be a market play and cannot be a market play.”
“It is, but it is not an either-or situation. If €1 billion could sort it out with more batteries, wind or solar then that is the route we would be taking. We are investing very significant amounts of money in our electricity grid.”
“As the Senators know, the piece of kit – effectively the ship – will be leased in. There are a number of these around the world and they move on. First, we are not investing in the kind of infrastructure that had been a feature of discussions in the past.”
“All fossil fuels are harmful to the environment. The Senator is right that methane has a much higher concentration and is more impactful by what is referred to as the carbon dioxide equivalence. It is much greater than carbon dioxide but it also has shorter life in the atmosphere. It dissipates over time whereas carbon dioxide does not.”
“If we were to do it, however, to get the private sector to pay for the security - I think it is accepted on all sides that there is a necessity for some security in terms of the gas supply - and if the Government were to say it would provide that through a market-led private consortium and initiate an auction to allow entities around the…”
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“I am hopeful that when that piece of work is done it will shine a light on the issue. It may not be a case of market failure but perhaps there is a lack of competition; I do not know. It is worrying that the gap is widening and it clearly requires a thorough analysis of the facts to establish what exactly is happening. Then it is a matter of an appropriate Government response within the confines of the free market that exists and how the Government might be able to act to ensure domestic and business consumers are able to purchase energy at rates that are comparable. At the end of the day, it puts pressure on every aspect of society if the energy market is not functioning to the extent that we want. It hits us from a competitiveness point of view.”
“As we said, it is of very serious concern to the Government that the energy component of retail prices in Ireland is significantly above the wholesale cost. The IEA renewables report notes that the gap is widening across the countries studied since the start of the energy crisis. Of course that is concerning. The gap is particularly large in Ireland with the energy component of retail prices up to three times that of the wholesale cost. The CRU has carried out extensive monitoring of the Irish retail energy market in recent years and has found no evidence of market failure. Market failure is one thing, yet there is obviously something that is distorting that. That is why the Minister has asked the CRU to carry out that investigation which was identified and factored into the programme for Government.”
“That body of work was identified as part of the programme for Government and the CRU has now been tasked by the Minister to carry out the work. From an Irish perspective, that will give some level of insight into whether there are practices that could be defined as the Deputy mentioned. It will also assess whether measures are warranted to enhance market responsiveness to wholesale price changes, and make recommendations to ensure that the benefits of lower wholesale prices are felt by consumers. This report will inform the work of the national energy affordability task force. In addition, the Department is transposing the new electricity market design directive 2024. This directive requires regulators to ensure that suppliers implement appropriate hedging strategies to reduce the risk of supply failure.”
“While the CRU has found no evidence of market failure or windfall profits in the retail sector in its market monitoring role, the IEA findings underline the importance of progressing the programme for Government commitment to "commission an independent review into the speed and level of passthrough from wholesale prices to retail prices". The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is on public record about this but, if not, we will put it on the record now. He has written to the CRU to request that it commences this independent review, building on the work of previous CRU investigations by reviewing the competitiveness of Irish retail energy markets, examining supplier costs, including hedging and pricing practices, and providing comparative price analysis with other EU member states.”
“We saw at the time of the Putin invasion of Ukraine that the gas markets had very significant spikes in wholesale prices, yet our energy users here did not see those spikes in cost because of hedging. Of course, when prices on the markets come down, we do not see the consequential reduction as quickly. The International Energy Agency, IEA, has observed that Irish retail prices have not adjusted at a comparable pace to the decline in wholesale prices, with the energy component of retail prices remaining up to three times that of the wholesale price. Again, that can be factored, to some extent, by the hedging position of the companies concerned.”
“The latest data from Eurostat show that, in nominal terms, Ireland ranked fifth for electricity prices and eighth for household gas prices among European countries in the first half of 2025. When adjusting for purchasing power parity, Ireland is mid-table in terms of energy affordability, with the 12th highest electricity and gas prices among European countries. Regarding hedging, suppliers in Ireland were shown to have taken a prudent approach to hedging, which had the benefit of protecting final customers from the worst effects of the wholesale price crisis. Conversely, hedging limits the ability of suppliers to reduce prices immediately in line with wholesale price shifts.”
“I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 101 together. I know Deputy Daly is interested in this matter. He has raised it in the House on a few occasions, so he has a good track record on it. As he is aware, the electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within an EU regulatory regime wherein these markets are commercial and liberalised. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Price setting by electricity suppliers is, therefore, a commercial matter for the companies concerned. Obviously the CRU remains vigilant and observant of how the market works. Retail prices are influenced by several factors, including wholesale energy prices, system operation costs and supplier hedging.”
“He feels he is well covered by the presence of two Ministers of State to represent him. I hope the Deputy will understand and appreciate this. We will bring back the Deputy's good wishes and concern for him.”
“It is not going to happen for the entity in the Senator's area on this occasion, but it may be that over time the Senator's work would be able to feed into a change in approach. I just mention that as something worth looking at.”
“As the Senator identified, Irish Water is there and it has guidance from the CRU in terms of its recovery of the costs. In many cases, as the Senator said, these are entities receiving State support. It might be worth looking, as a Senator, at a Private Members' Bill to review the legislation and review the way in which water services are provided to community groups or charities generally and to put some work into that. I am sure the Department would engage with the Senator. Having had the pleasure of having spent a few years in here, I know how proposals can come forward. It might not be exactly as the Senator would wish it to be, but it is a way for her to engage in the drafting of a Private Members' Bill with the support of her colleagues and to tease out some of the facts.”
“I thank the Senator again for her very insightful comments on the response provided by the Department. Of course, I will feed her thoughts and comments back. The Government does recognise the importance of community groups and not-for-profits and acknowledges the social good these organisations deliver every day in our towns, cities and rural areas. The Exchequer continues to provide funding to Uisce Éireann for domestic customers, and non-domestic customers are required to contribute towards the cost of providing their water services. The necessary reality is that delivering water services and investing in improving existing services is very costly. I would make a point, however, that might be considered. The regulations are as they are.”
“Tariffs exist to ensure the recovery of the costs of providing water services, including environmental and resource costs. This is in accordance with Article 9 of the European Union water framework directive and thereby helps towards securing reliable, efficient and sustainable water services. Uisce Éireann has a strong customer service focus through its water charges plan and customer charter, which outlines the standard of service customers should expect to receive. However, implementation of the water charges plan is a matter in the first instance for Uisce Éireann. Of course, any issues that cannot be resolved by Uisce Éireann to the satisfaction of the customer can be referred under the formal complaints process to CRU.”
“It with this requirement by law that Uisce Éireann must operate for non-domestic customers in this way, and it is very rigid in that regard. No provision was made in the legislation that would allow for fees to be waived in relation to community facilities or charitable entities. The only exemption from charges provided for under the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 is in relation to water services provided to fire authorities. All non-domestic customers, including schools, sports clubs, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and charities, were initially transferred to Irish Water under their existing charging agreement with their local authority with no changes, as instructed by the CRU. The CRU has since determined a standardised set of tariffs applied to all non-domestic customers nationwide.”
“The CRU, as the independent economic regulator, determines an economically efficient level of allowed revenue to be recovered by Uisce Éireann annually, from non-domestic customers, over a particular number of years. When approving an allowed revenue for the period, the CRU seeks to drive cost efficiencies and improve services delivered to customers. In advance of considering tariffs, the CRU will engage in a consultation period and seek submissions, a process it completed during summer 2025. The CRU recognises that affordability is a significant issue for non-domestic customers, but it is required to have regard to the need for Uisce Éireann to operate in a commercially viable manner. This is where the issue lies.”
“Irish Water, now Uisce Éireann, became responsible for the provision of public water services with effect from 1 January 2014 and is required under the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 to collect charges from its non-domestic customers in receipt of water services. Water charges in respect of domestic customers are funded from the Exchequer through the budgetary provision in respect of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, and the CRU has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.”
“I thank Senator Lynch for raising this important issue. Most of us know of the Senator's reputation in terms of the work she does with communities and the approach she has to trying to get support from various State agencies to work alongside local fundraising. I know from personal experience just how difficult it can be then to have to provide from a group's own resources for something that should, potentially, be waived. The Minister, Deputy James Browne, cannot be here, unfortunately, and he has asked me to convey his sorrow in that regard. He has also asked me to set out that the statutory position in relation to water charges for non-domestic customers of Uisce Éireann is set out in the Water Services Acts 2007 to 2017, as amended.”
“-----to be cautious. If we make a decision, it should not be that we are necessarily influenced by the large corporations. Sometimes we vote the other way too, where we have reflected on it and it is in the best interest of the wider community. I thank the Senator for his interest.”
“It is putting a burden on them to the extent that they are not able to get on with their business in a respectful way, continue to employ people and provide the ability for communities to have that employment. I take the Senator's point about big companies. It is incumbent on all of us-----”
“Throughout that time, I have met people of all creeds, colours and diversity in society - people from NGOs and large corporations - who have their own agenda. Some of it is profit-driven and some of it is an appreciation for human rights and the environment. I would like to think that, in a democratic environment, people can put their point forward. It is for all of us in public office to use our best judgment to establish what is right and wrong in relation to a particular directive. What this is about, to me, is a simplification process. It is about reducing the burden on companies where the regulation is overly burdensome and sometimes unnecessary. We all talk about. Farmers and small businesses talk about it.”
“The information available to me is, as I mentioned in the opening contribution, that the Minister, Deputy Burke, spoke at an event hosted by Hanover Communications, where he outlined the overview of the omnibus proposal. I understand Enterprise Mobility was there. I have no information in relation to ExxonMobil but I would be happy that the Department will come back to the Senator directly to answer that specific question. I wish to make a broader point on lobbying. Of course it can be misconstrued, but I think it is incumbent on all of us, no matter what role we hold in public office, to listen to all sides. I have had the pleasure of being a public representative for 24 or 25 years now and I am just recently in this role.”
“Trilogue negotiations commenced in early December and concluded last week. We look forward to prompt adoption of the proposal at an early date in 2026. The measures in relation to the CSRD will streamline, simplify and reduce reporting requirements. In regard to the CSDDD, in-scope companies will, for the first time, have legal obligations to conduct risk-based human rights and environmental due diligence and integrate due diligence into all corporate policies and risk management systems.”
“In September, the Minister, Deputy Burke, also spoke at an event hosted by Hanover Communications, attended by a number of representative bodies and companies, including IBEC, the American Chamber of Commerce, the Irish Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association, BPFl, Meta, Medtronic, Bristol Myers Squibb, JP Morgan and Enterprise Mobility, where the Minister provided an overview of the omnibus proposal. The Minister has not met with Teneo. It is important to recognise that the omnibus on sustainability proposal is about finding an appropriate balance between obligations on business and ensuring adequate protections for the environment and those impacted by the operations of the companies. Negotiating positions were agreed at Council in June and by the European Parliament in November.”
“Since the publication of the omnibus on sustainability, officials from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, both in Dublin and Brussels, have engaged with a range of stakeholders concerning this proposal. These include meetings with civil society organisations and business representatives, including a recent meeting with the Irish Coalition for Business and Human Rights. The Minister, Deputy Burke, met with the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland, BPFI, last July at its request to discuss the CSRD.”
“lreland supports the ongoing efforts to enhance the EU regulatory framework and welcomes the ongoing focus on ensuring that legislation is fit for purpose, with due regard to administrative and reporting burdens and with a particular focus on the impacts on smaller companies. The reform agenda is being strongly driven by EU leaders. The European Council has called for a simplification revolution by ensuring a clear, simple and smart regulatory framework for businesses, reducing administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens, and avoiding over-regulation and the introduction of administrative burdens throughout the legislative process.”
“I thank Senator Andrews for raising this important issue and his wishes in relation to our late-night meetings. It was always good fun when I used to sit either behind or beside him. We often had good fun in those days but we have it here too. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to the Seanad today and I thank Senator Andrews for raising this matter, which I know is of significant importance to him. He and his late dad were great champions of so many international issues and I am pleased to see that he continues in that vein. On this issue, I take it that the Senator is referring to the omnibus on sustainability published in March 2025 and in particular to those elements relating to the corporate sustainability due diligence directive, CSDDD, and the corporate sustainability reporting directive, CSRD.”
“I have found from experience in my own county that while one would like to get it all done in the first year, if one picks the priorities and works through them over five or six years, one gets a hell of a lot of work done. Cavan and Monaghan have been very successful in that regard in recent years. When I was just a young lad there was always talk of potholes in Cavan and Monaghan. Indeed, I think the people there even elected a pothole candidate but we have moved on from those dark days, thankfully, because of people like Senator Gallagher and others who have championed the cause and have done such good work in representing the area and ensuring, rightly, that it gets its fair share of funding. I am sure that will continue with the Senator's continued assistance.”
“I listened intently to the contribution of the Senator and will certainly report his views back to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. He has rightly identified that there is strong demand from the people he represents, as well as from the county councillors in the area. It is always a good sign when the local authorities work with councillors to identify the priorities. I do not want to state the obvious but there is always a pie which must be split in so many different ways. Where there is an element of unanimity in terms of identifying the roads that are in greatest need, that works well and it is important to relay that to the Department and the Minister.”
“As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment towards regional and local roads.”
“Further allocations have been provided for both councils in 2025. Following a mid-year review of regional and local road grant programme expenditure, local authorities were notified of an additional allocation of €10 million for their restoration improvement programmes. Cavan County Council received an allocation of €311,000 and Monaghan County Council received an allocation of €262,500. I know that Senator Gallagher was very involved in pushing to get that additional money for those two councils. He has had success so far and hopefully that will continue. This additional funding was welcomed by local authorities and was fully expended by year end. It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources.”
“These three grant programmes account for most of the grant funding and are allocated based primarily on the length of the road network in a particular local authority area. It is envisaged that grants will continue to be made available on this basis as it is the most equitable approach. In 2025, Cavan County Council received an allocation of €19,193,150, which is an increase of €1,752,840 on its 2024 allocation, and Monaghan County Council received an allocation of €18,008,350, which is an increase of €1,751,255. In addition to funding allocations under the main regional and local road grant programmes, Monaghan County Council has received funding of €4,084,278 since 2020 and Cavan County Council received funding of €912,058 in 2024 for a number of pilot schemes relating to road materials.”
“Due to the pressures on the regional and local road network, the primary focus of investment is on the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network, which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country. The main regional and local road grant programmes are targeted at specific policy objectives, namely, pavement sealing to protect the road surface from water damage through restoration maintenance grants, and road strengthening based on pavement condition rating to lengthen the life of road pavements through restoration improvement grants. There is also a discretionary grant which allows for a range of activities, including pothole repairs, edge strengthening, renewal of signs and lines and winter maintenance.”
“Unfortunately, we have seen a considerable spike in deaths and injuries on our roads but hopefully that is a spike and not a trend. There has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding in recent years, with an investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads this year. This represents an increase of 25% in funding when compared to 2021. The Senator makes the valid point that while the funding is increasing, costs are also increasing, so a 25% increase in funding is not yielding a commensurate increase in the kilometres of road covered. That is a well-made point and I will certainly bring it back to the Department and the Minister.”
“It is important to highlight that the improvement and maintenance of the regional and local road network is the statutory responsibility of the local authorities in accordance with the Roads Act 1993. Works on these roads are funded from the council's own resources and are supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority. As a former member of the local authority, I am sure Senator Gallagher is working with officials there to identify the priorities. Of these grants, the vast majority are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the existing network, with the limited remaining funding invested in new roads and bridges or in road realignment, which is important from a road safety perspective and a way of reducing deaths and injuries on our roads.”
“I thank Senator Gallagher for raising this important issue. I know of his interest in the road infrastructure in the counties that he knows best, Cavan and Monaghan. He is a regular contributor, both here in the House and within the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, on this issue. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is unavailable today. He has asked me to convey his apologies to Senator Gallagher and to assure him that he will continue to engage with him on this. The Senator's question relates to the funding provided to local authorities for the maintenance of regional and local roads, particularly in the Cavan and Monaghan area. As the Senator is aware and as outlined in the 2025 regional and local roads programme, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing road network.”
“I thank the officials and TDs in this House for their co-operation this evening. The Bill places the Credit Review service on a firm statutory footing in order that it can continue to provide a valuable service to SMEs across Ireland. I commend it to the House.”
“Furthermore, the general principles of the consumer protection code apply in respect of all customers, and the definition of consumer includes small businesses with annual turnover of less than €3 million, rising to €5 million from next March. The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman is also available to assist borrowers who believe they have been mistreated by a regulated financial service provider. The existing Credit Review office has been operating quite effectively on its current legal basis. It is timely to bring this Bill forward now due to the fact that the NAMA legislation is due to be repealed. The work of the Credit Review office has not been inhibited in any way by the fact that the Bill is being enacted now rather than earlier. This has allowed other work to be undertaken that is more time sensitive.”
“The Central Bank's SME regulations also provide protections for SMEs when they are either applying for or have credit facilities from regulated financial service providers, giving SME borrowers transparency around the application process. Under the SME regulations, lenders must offer borrowers the option of a meeting, which includes a credit review, at least once a year. Lenders must also provide borrowers with specific written reasons for refusing or withdrawing credit. The SME regulations also include various protections for SME customers who are in arrears or may be at risk of going into arrears. Under the regulations lenders must have an internal appeals procedure in order that borrowers can appeal a decision in relation to a credit decision.”
“The Department of Finance will continue to monitor developments in this area and, should further change be necessary, appropriate legislative provision can be considered in the future. While there has been a decline in net bank lending to SMEs in recent years, the evidence, including the Department of Finance's annual credit demand survey, indicates that this is due to muted demand rather than a lack of supply. In other words, viable SMEs that are seeking bank credit are, in the great majority of cases, successful. If there are SMEs whose applications for bank credit are refused, or whose existing credit facilities are withdrawn or reduced, I strongly urge those SMEs to approach the Credit Review service for assistance, which I have no doubt they will find helpful.”
“Other non-bank lenders specialise in leasing and invoice discounting. In some cases, non-bank lenders may provide faster decision-making and better customer service but this service may be priced differently. They may also have a higher risk appetite than the banks and may, as a result, be willing to lend to SMEs that might otherwise struggle to obtain credit. The overall effect of the presence of non-bank lenders in the market is to provide greater competition in the market for SME credit, and more options for SME borrowers to access more diverse sources of financing apart from traditional bank-provided credit. This will help businesses to grow and thrive, driving increased investment, innovation and productivity without excessive dependence on the banking sector for finance.”
“In deciding to extend the scope of the service, the Minister must have regard to the extent to which demand by borrowers for credit is being met by regulated financial service providers, the importance to borrowers and the economy of the State of particular types of credit provided by the class of lenders concerned, and the amount of credit provided by that class of lenders. For a variety of reasons, increasing numbers of SME borrowers are availing of credit facilities provided by various non-bank lenders. Some SMEs choose to borrow from non-bank lenders because those lenders are offering specialist products that more closely match the particular needs of a given business. For example, a significant amount of non-bank lending to SMEs is provided by specialist property lenders and asset finance providers.”
“This underlines the Government's ongoing commitment to support the growth and development of the SME sector. Section 2 provides the Minister with the power to extend the scope of the Credit Review service to other classes of regulated non-bank lenders, should that be required in the future. Before exercising that power, the Minister would need to be satisfied that such a change was justified in light of developments in the SME credit market. In that context, the Minister will continually monitor developments in the SME credit market in order to assess whether the exercise of that power would be appropriate.”
“I am conscious, as I said, of some of the national and international issues that can arise. Earlier, Deputy Doherty and I were here discussing the impact on the fishing community and some of the small to medium-sized enterprises involved and talking about their need for credit to get them through a difficult time, so yet again we see the importance of such an office. While the Bill is, in one sense, merely a technical exercise in providing a legal basis for the continuance of the status quo , it is also a declaration of the Government's expectation that borrowers be treated fairly and with high standards of professionalism. The Bill provides for an expanded role for Credit Review in the future should the evolution of the SME credit market justify that.”
“The credit reviewers' recommendations have resulted, so far, in banks agreeing to make €86 million in credit available to SMEs and farm businesses. Between the actual reviews conducted and the advice given directly via its helpline, or more generally through its useful publications or advocacy work, Credit Review has provided a valuable service to thousands of Irish SMEs. More importantly, it has contributed to an improved culture in the banking sector in the period since the financial crash, where there is an expectation that banks will treat their customers better and with due regard to the best interests of those customers, including SME customers. Borrowers can apply to Credit Review not only if they are refused a new loan but also if an existing loan facility is withdrawn or reduced.”
“The work that the Credit Review office has done since it was established in 2010 has given valuable assistance to viable SMEs and farm businesses in obtaining bank credit. Placing the office on a firm statutory basis recognises that value and endorses the Credit Review service as a permanent feature of the SME credit landscape in Ireland. We all know that from time to time there are different fluctuations in markets and different issues that arise. We have seen that Covid, the war in Ukraine and other national and international events that take place can have short- and medium-term impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises and can affect their potential credit rating. Therefore, it is important that this office would have a solid footing.”
“I appreciate the Deputy's understanding of the situation in relation to the Minister of State, Deputy Troy. My understanding is that the Commission is aware that the Government intends to move ahead with the dissolution of NAMA in 2026 and that there has been a discussion in that regard. I will ask the officials to prepare a more comprehensive response that addresses Deputy Doherty's question. I thank him for facilitating the early passage of this legislation. He and I are well aware through our work in our constituencies of the importance of such an office and the benefit that accrues from it to our constituents. I thank all the Deputies for their contributions to the debates on the Bill as it has proceeded through the House.”
“I will certainly be happy to take any thoughts or views Members have in formulating that response or task force to address the very significant crisis we know we are facing.”
“He was uncompromising in his pursuit of farming interests and is renowned for his exceptional political judgment and negotiating skills. These skills were harnessed through major CAP reforms and World Trade Organization negotiations, cementing his role as a pivotal figure in Irish agriculture history. Michael understands the needs of rural and coastal communities. He has been a tireless champion for rural communities. He brings enormous experience to dealing with politicians, senior civil servants, Departments, State agencies and the European Commission. He is alert to EU and national Exchequer funding, the relevant EU and national legislation and the constraints imposed by EU state aid rules by the European Commission. I look forward, together with the Minister, to building in a number of other individuals as part of that committee.”
“The Minister, Deputy Heydon, and I have had his support in this regard. We intend to move quickly on it. The Minister is here. He has been a tremendous support to me in my work over the last number of weeks. He has been available to use his influence, which is very considerable at European level, to try to get the best possible outcome. We are committed to working in unison through this particular period. We intend to appoint Michael Berkery as the independent chair. Michael is a well-known figure in the Irish agri-sector. He has made very significant contributions to Irish agriculture and the agrifood sector, notably, as CEO of the Irish Farmers' Association for 25 years, where he excelled in policy shaping and improving farmers' prospects.”
“The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and its agencies, and other relevant Departments and agencies, will form a very significant part of that. As I said, the task force will have to have an intensive schedule of work in the early stages to get it up and running. I want to see an interim report delivered in the first quarter of next year. I expect the first meeting of this group to start in early January and begin its work. As I mentioned at the committee yesterday, I intend to seek some external support to augment our Department capabilities to ensure the matter gets the priority it deserves. I am conscious that additional resources will be required to carry this out. I have already had conversations, on a number of occasions, with the Minister for public expenditure, Deputy Chambers.”
“The Minister, Deputy Heydon, and I have made it very clear that we intend to establish a task force, under the auspices of the food vision strategy, to advance a framework of supports for the seafood sector. A key priority for the food vision-seafood group will be to ensure that a framework of economic, environmental and social sustainability supports is available to the fisheries and seafood processing sector and its coastal communities. Obviously, we want to prioritise that work and ensure we move quickly to get that up and running. The group will be chaired by an independent chair and will include representatives from the fishing organisations, aquaculture and the seafood processing organisations.”