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…”
The complete record
Every one of 1,042 lines we hold for Timmy Dooley, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 19 of 21.
“The report shows a value growth of 25% in the aquaculture sector, which is also encouraging. Based on the observations I have had since joining the Department, there is potential to grow the sector in the years ahead. It will take considerable effort and will require reform of the existing licensing system to achieve that. We will work on that as the years go by. These metrics clearly demonstrate the resilience of the sector, despite significant challenges in recent years, and its capacity to pivot and adjust to a changing environment. This progress would not be possible without strategic and well-targeted investment, both public and private. Targeted supports, funded through the Brexit adjustment reserve, BAR, were aimed at helping the sector to navigate the unprecedented challenge of Brexit.”
“At a recent ocean conference, I believe it was either President Macron or John Kerry, the former United States Secretary of State, who said that if the Amazon Basin is the lungs of the Earth, our seas and rivers are the veins and arteries that support that life. Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s Business of Seafood Report 2024 offers a comprehensive assessment of the economic impact of the seafood sector. It reported that the Irish seafood industry is valued at €1.24 billion, an increase of 4% on 2023. The sector employs almost 8,000 people directly across fishing, aquaculture and processing, and a total of almost 17,000 people when indirect employment is included. Fish landings in Ireland were valued at over €461 million in 2024, with €325 million coming from Irish vessels and €136 million from non-Irish vessels.”
“The programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, reflects this approach by committing to securing a sustainable future for the fisheries sector while supporting coastal communities that rely on this activity for their livelihood. My appointment as a dedicated Minister of State with responsibility across fisheries and the marine to co-ordinate and integrate these key policy areas, clearly demonstrates the commitment of Government to the sector. Our seas are a national asset that provide a wide range of commercial and societal benefits, through activities such as commercial fishing and aquaculture, but also through their contribution to transport, tourism, recreation, renewable energy and cultural heritage. They also play a vital role in supporting marine life and biodiversity for a healthy planet.”
“It is a pleasure to be back in the Seanad again. This is my second opportunity since being elected to the other House. I recall my time here with fondness. I join the Acting Chairperson in welcoming Eoghan Clonan, someone I have come to know over many years visiting this House with his dad. It is fantastic to see him with us today. I thank the Senators for seeking this opportunity for statements on fishing. I am pleased to discuss the important issues and concerns affecting the fishing sector. I reassure the Seanad that as Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and the marine, I recognise the importance of maintaining a vibrant fishing sector, both for the communities that rely on them and the wider economy.”
“My expectation is that it will transfer to the Department of climate very shortly and will fall under my remit there. I intend to work with the Department and on the marine planning side to try to advance, as quickly as possible, a regulatory regime on a legislative basis that will allow us to identify marine areas for protection. I have to be clear that the position taken by the previous Minister with responsibility for this will help to inform me, but not exclusively, in the decisions we will have to take. It is important that we begin the process and are in a position to meet our international obligations and commitments to ensure that we have 30% of the seas within our jurisdiction as marine protected areas by 2030. I am happy to come back and discuss that at any stage.”
“That is why the consultation, to which some 5,500 people responded, had to take place. I do not want to say or do anything that might undermine the ultimate decision that will be taken. This may or may not require a memorandum to Government. The Department will be setting out a position on this very soon. I am hopeful that it will be in place before the summer. The passage of time from the original information that was gleaned from BIM and the Marine Institute required me to seek the most up-to-date legal, scientific and economic advice. I now have most of that information, which will allow us to make a decision very soon. There were a lot of representations on the marine protected areas. The section dealing with the marine environment still resides in the Department of housing. I have no oversight or control in relation to it.”
“The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have raised the matter with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. When I am in London on 9 July I will raise the matter. It is my intention to also visit Scotland and other jurisdictions around Europe. This will have to be advanced on a bilateral basis. It would be very helpful to those who fish for squid in the seas around Rockall. Deputy Connolly set out a very clear and impassioned plea regarding sprat fishing. A new process was undertaken. When a policy paper is being brought forward, a very clear process must be followed. Much of the process was undertaken before, and through to conclusion, and it was only lost on a very minor technicality in the courts. To go back again and create a policy paper, one must go through the process.”
“I am prepared to work with those in Killybegs to try to reduce the necessity for those checks, which do impact on the quality of the blue whiting. It is a very tender fish that can be easily damaged in the counting process in that equipment. When I visited, I saw at first hand the impact that is having. There is a medium- to long-term plan to address this and I hope we can do so. I outlined where we are at on the issue of Rockall. We do not accept the British claim on Rockall. As it is not a habitable place, we do not believe there should be any economic zone around it. We believe that we have the backing of international legislation to justify that. There is ongoing diplomatic dialogue on this by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.”
“I have met the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, SFPA, and the fishing industry there. We have to have regulatory controls in place and these are done on a proportionate basis. There has to be a level of oversight because we have to convince the European Commission, in particular, that we have a regulatory regime in place that is fit for purpose. I am also conscious that technology is advancing. There is now a very significant number of cameras in place in the processing facilities in Killybegs. I understand that additional cameras would have to be put in place and we would have to get a designation of the entirety of the pier to be able to manage the process without certain checks at the shoreside on an ongoing basis.”
“I am happy to do that and I am happy to meet groups under the political representation. The Ceann Comhairle has been in touch with me on this issue, as has the Minister, Deputy James Browne. I will work with everyone on this issue. However, I make the point to Deputy Collins that I am not in a position to promise anything regarding giving quota for black sole to anyone or any entity. I can only engage with the sector and be as honest and upfront as I always am on these issues and what procedures and process can be undertaken to try to address an issue or how we deal with it. We are happy to do that. Deputy Tóibín talked about the issue in Killybegs with the blue whiting that was processed for fishmeal. This issue has been raised with me on a number of occasions.”
“It is that kind of work that plays out in the long term. The question then is what might be done on a broader level to protect biodiversity. Ireland is a signatory to the UN Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. We are going to bring this through domestic legislation as it has to be transposed. We want to move on this because we have a shared responsibility to manage the seas that fall outside the national jurisdiction. I think it was Deputy Barry Ward who talked about the massive overfishing by fleets outside of European control that have access and have a destructive effect. As part of this, we are putting in place a governance programme to try to ensure that we maintain biodiversity, for the greater good of all. Deputy Mythen talked about going to Kilmore Quay.”
“It sets out the potential for a possible reform. I assure the House that if that eventuality comes into play, together with the Department officials, I and other Ministers involved in various Departments will fight our damnedest to get whatever additional quota we can in those contexts. However, I do not want to lead people to believe that just because there is going to be a reform there is somebody out there waiting to hand over a portion of quota. I assure the House from my perspective, however, that it will not be for the want of engagement and networking. Others asked what our approach might be. It will be to consult as widely as possible, to engage with other member states, to lobby, to network and to make the case, as the industry did really well in Castletownbere when the Commissioner was invited there and we had that opportunity.”
“Whatever the historical conditions that existed when quotas were first apportioned, trying to win quota back is a difficulty. Deputy Tóibín in making his case referred to Irish waters, but the reality is that, outside the 12 nautical miles, that is considered European waters, so we do not have exclusivity there. That is part of an agreement that goes back to the 1970s. With the best will in the world, I do not want to indicate to anybody that I can necessarily change that context overnight, but whatever opportunity comes through the ether, I will be happy to engage. Deputy Barry Ward and others talked about the CFP and the review or the reform. There is an evaluation under way by the Commission at the moment. The European Ocean Pact was launched on Monday of this week at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice.”
“I want, insofar as I can, to support them in that. I set out earlier some of my ideas about trying to do a piece of facilitation work in the first instance to develop that strategy into the future and develop a roadmap to try to deliver insofar as we can to meet people's needs and expectations. There was quite a bit of talk about bluefin tuna and the lack of quota we have. Some of that is historic, but there is a recognition that because of the changes in water conditions, more of that stock is moving into Irish waters. Of course, I will fight tooth and nail at every possible opportunity, with both the Commission and member states that have an interest in this, to try to get stock. I am conscious, however, that in order for us to get quota, somebody has to give it up.”
“I will always take helpful views, from whatever quarter, that are to the benefit of the people we seek to represent. I assure the House of that. I have engaged with people, and people are engaging with me and setting out their stall. There is little doubt that the sector has been under pressure for quite some time because of global changes and impacts of overfishing through the years. The stocks are declining and climate change is having an impact, but there is no doubt that Brexit delivered a devastating blow to the sector more generally and has left the sector reeling. However, from my engagement not exclusively but generally, there is an obvious resilience there on the part of so many people who want to try to continue this industry notwithstanding the complications and the difficulties that are there.”
“I thank all the Deputies who contributed for their insights and helpful suggestions. I want to correct one matter. I indicated, I think, that I am to meet my UK counterpart on 5 July. I am reliably informed it is 9 July. I do not want anything to be missed on the record on that. To the Sinn Féin Members who talked about their survey, that is a useful piece of work, and I can understand the sentiment many of the people express. I might not agree with some of the suggestions but I have indicated to the Deputies who prepared the survey that I will go through it in more detail. I am happy to have a dialogue with them on that. The reality is that all the information or ideas do not reside on any one side of the House. I certainly do not suggest that I possess the divine right to develop policy alone.”
“I am conscious of all aspects to this and of the historical dimension to it in terms of decisions that have been taken previously. However, I am also mindful of the legal complexities and the burden that places on the Department and on the Government. I will inform the House as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
“In February 2024 the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine held a public consultation on a review of trawling activity inside the 6 nautical mile zone and baselines. This consultation took place without prejudice. More than 5,500 submissions were received. These submissions, along with updated scientific and economic advice from the Irish Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara are being used to inform a review of trawling activity inside the 6 nautical mile zones and baselines. All relevant issues will be carefully considered before a decision is taken. Given the history of litigation to this matter, it is critical that all of the necessary procedural and legal steps are taken before any final decision is made. I add that it is my hope and desire to try to have our position made known before the summer.”
“The last issue on which I wish to update the House today is the review of trawling activity inside the 6 nautical mile zone. The programme for Government commits to maintaining support for our important inshore fishing sector and promoting the sustainability of fish stocks. In December 2018 a transition period to a ban on vessels over 18 m trawling inshore waters inside the 6 nautical mile zone and baselines was announced. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort of sprat stocks which are primarily targeted within inshore waters. However, the measure was subject to extended legal proceedings, resulting in the measure being overturned in 2023.”
“We believe this position is reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides at Article 121.3, “Rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.” I assure Members that reaching an agreement on issues relating to Rockall remains an important issue for the Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in ongoing contact with relevant Scottish and UK authorities in this regard. This is an area on which I hope to contribute constructively in the months ahead. We are working on a programme of meetings with respective ministers in other European countries and in the UK. To that end, we will be meeting my counterpart in London on 6 July.”
“Kilda and 230 nautical miles to the north west of Donegal. Ireland has not sought to claim sovereignty over Rockall. The UK claimed sovereignty over Rockall in 1955 and formally sought to annex it as part of Scotland under its 1972 Island of Rockall Act. The consistent position of successive Irish Governments is that Ireland does not recognise Britain's claim of sovereignty over Rockall. Accordingly, Ireland does not accept that a 12 nautical mile or 22 km territorial sea exists around Rockall. We understand that the UK takes a different view. That might not surprise us. In addition, Rockall and similar rocks and skerries have no significance for generating an exclusive economic zone or establishing legal claims to be the continental shelf.”
“The overall result maintains the strong strategic link between Ireland's food economy and the UK, and reflects the mutual importance of the fishing industry and coastal communities to the economies of both the UK and the EU. I believe the outcome reflects the strong co-operation and unity of purpose between the eight member states whose fisheries have been most impacted by Brexit, with support from the remaining member states and the Commission. Another issue that is of interest today is Rockall. Deputy Mac Lochlainn and others have raised this issue with me here and elsewhere. Irish fishermen desire to return to fishing in the waters around Rockall, especially for squid. Rockall is a small uninhabited and uninhabitable rock located approximately 160 nautical miles west of the Scottish islands of St.”
“This is welcome news for all the fishermen and women who work hard to ensure the long-term sustainability of shared stocks. I also welcome the commitment announced by President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Starmer on 19 May to the negotiation of an SPS sanitary and phytosanitary area agreement between the EU and the UK. This will be based on dynamic alignment by the UK with food safety standards and rules at EU level. There are long-established and mutually beneficial trading relationships between food producers in Ireland and food businesses and retailers in the UK. The comprehensive SPS agreement envisaged will greatly reduce the administrative burden on agrifood business exporting to the UK. It is important to note that the European Commission will negotiate with the UK on behalf of EU member states.”
“The agreement to extend the reciprocal access for EU and UK vessels to fish in each other's waters for a period of 12 years with no change in existing quota share is to be welcomed in the main. In my view, it is the best possible outcome we could have achieved, given the circumstances in which this reset agreement was being negotiated. It is certainly a much better outcome than some of the other possibilities. It has delivered certainty for Ireland’s fishermen and women to enable them to make sustainable long-term decisions for their business notwithstanding that was, of course, off a very difficult base that Brexit visited upon the sector. The significant time period covered by this agreement, up to June 2038, ensures that responsible and sustainable fishing practices as agreed between the EU and the UK will continue.”
“We amplified that with our counterparts at Commission level because ultimately the decision was taken, as Members know, by Commissioner Šefčovič in discussions and negotiations with the British authorities. The fisheries agreement reached last month sees an extension of 12 years for the status quo , to June 2038. This is significantly longer than the four years sought by the United Kingdom and, most importantly, did not involve the transfer of additional quota. If there had been no agreement on these arrangements at the summit, Ireland faced the possibility of losing access to UK waters altogether or the prospect of immense pressure on paying for access with quota transfers in annual negotiations. This would have been an unthinkable outcome from all our perspectives.”
“Against this background it was also essential for Ireland to obtain the longest possible extension to access arrangements for UK waters and to avoid the prospect of any further transfers in the quota from the EU to the UK in exchange for this access. This was critically important for Ireland as we suffered, as I have said on many occasions, disproportionately on quota transfers in the TCA and we were determined not to lose one more fisherman. When I entered this position the language from the UK side through all the diplomatic channels was that it was not going to continue to facilitate access to UK waters without further transfer of quota. I made it very clear on behalf of the Department and the Government that was not something we could countenance.”
“After 30 June 2026 the TCA provides that access shall be granted at a level and on conditions determined in the annual consultations. Ireland's perspective was that, given the number of fish stocks shared between the EU and the UK - over 80 stocks - it would not be feasible to negotiate and agree on access to waters and quotas on an annual basis. This kind of arm wrestle on access to EU waters every year would simply not provide our fishermen and women with the certainty they need to sustain their business. Notwithstanding the impact of Brexit, as I said, it is important to recognise that while this certainty does not resolve the problem of the loss, it does give some security in terms of investment by the sector.”
“I will continue to raise this matter at every available opportunity. In addition to the consultation I have endeavoured to carry out here at home, I am also working my way through meeting ministers with responsibility across fisheries and marine in member states where we can try to build alliances insofar as possible. I will continue that engagement. I know that the committee also has an interest in visiting Brussels or Strasbourg to assist in that endeavour. A further matter I understand that Members wish to hear about today is the extension of the EU-UK trade agreement. As Members are aware, the adjustment period set out in the original EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, TCA, runs from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2026. During this time the TCA provides that EU and UK fishing vessels have reciprocal access to each other's waters.”
“The case is supported by data collected in the catch, tag and release science-based fishery for authorised recreational angling vessels. Ireland has requested the opening of a discussion at EU level to progress Ireland's case. Ireland has made formal statements on the matter at numerous fishery councils in recent years. Opening up this issue is difficult as other member states are resistant to any discussion on amending relative stability for the stock. However, I repeat that any change to relative stability would involve a loss for some other member state and therefore poses particular challenges in a qualified majority voting context. However, the case for a national quota for bluefin tuna is supported by the data collected in the catch, tag and release science-based fishery for authorised recreational angling vessels.”
“In 2018, Ireland was successful for the first time in securing an agreement that allowed it to set up a catch-tag-release fishery to contribute to the collection of scientific data for the bluefin tuna stock. This catch-tag-release science-based fishery for authorised recreational angling vessels has been in place since 2019 and supports the collection of valuable data on the migratory patterns of bluefin tuna in Irish waters. This fishery is most beneficial to Ireland as it increase our knowledge of the behaviour and abundance of bluefin tuna while also providing a small, but valuable, tourism benefit to the peripheral coastal communities. Ireland has made it clear to the EU member states and the European Commission that there is a case for an allocation of the EU's bluefin tuna quota to be made available to Ireland.”
“Ireland has a national quota for northern albacore tuna. Annual catch limits are set by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, ICCAT. Based on scientific advice, Ireland does not have a national quota for bluefin tuna. The available bluefin tuna quota is allocated each year by member states on based on, as I said earlier, the relative stability mechanism, as established in the late 1990s. At that time, Ireland did not have a track record of commercial fishing for bluefin tuna and, accordingly, did not receive a quota allocation. However, a small bluefin tuna by-catch quota is available to Ireland, primarily for use in our important northern albacore tuna fishery and the Celtic Sea herring fishery where there can be bluefin tuna by-catch.”
“This represents the first permanent increase in mackerel quota. This was a highly technical and contentious issue which centred on the allocation and distribution of an EU mackerel quota historically contingent on the existence of agreement with Norway. Denmark had been the sole holder of this quota. However, without an agreement on mackerel being in place between the EU and Norway, Ireland successfully argued that this quota could not be allocated to Denmark, as it had been in the past when it secured a proportion of the quota for its fishermen. In 2024, Ireland successfully invoked The Hague preferences for mackerel and this was the first time that it had successfully been invoked for this particular species. There is a strong lobby among Irish fishermen for Ireland to receive an allocation of the EU's bluefin tuna quota.”
“The arrangement is a vehicle for a limited increase in the annual quotas for Irish fishermen and women. Any change the existing system of quota allocation would require a majority of member states to agree under the qualified majority voting, which Deputies will be aware. This would require other member states to give up existing quota shares. Any change to the relative stability would involve a loss for some other member states and, therefore, pose particular challenges in a qualified majority voting context. Notwithstanding this, I will use every opportunity to seek additional access to quota for Irish fishing fleet where this is possible. For example, at the Fisheries Council in December 2023, Ireland secured additional mackerel quota share worth approximately €3 million annually for Ireland's fishing industry.”
“TACs are shared between EU countries in the form of national quotas for each stock and a different allocation percentage per EU country is applied for the sharing out of the quota. This fixed percentage is known as the relative stability key. The allocation of stocks between member states was established as a principle of the first CFP in 1983 and was based on average catch of each member state over a period of reference years. That is referred to as track record, which, I am sure, those of the Members who have an intimate knowledge of the sector are well aware of. The only exception to this relates to The Hague preferences based on a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU.”
“One of the issues that is raised regularly is the demand that Ireland change the relative stability key for stocks that we fish. It is important to note that fishing opportunities are allocated among member states in such a way as to ensure relative stability of fishing activities of each member state to catch fish stocks or fishery. This is provided by Article 16 of the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, regulation and is further explained in recitals at 35 and 37. The committee will be looking at this in due course. The total allowable catches, TACs, are set annually for most stocks by the Council of Fisheries Ministers and for stocks that are shared and jointly managed with non-EU countries. These TACs are agreed with those non-EU countries.”
“That was a useful encounter from his perspective. The programme for Government commits to publish a five-year fisheries sector strategy that will include an examination of the processing sector and to continue to support and promote improvements in fisheries and aquaculture. To progress this, I have decided to engage a facilitator to work with seafood representative groups in order to identify and articulate issues, priorities and opportunities for the sector and these will be considered when I am setting up the terms of reference for the fisheries sector. I am grateful to Mr. Kieran Mulvey, who is well known to this House, who has agreed to work with us in the Department and with the sector to chart a roadmap on addressing these issues into the future and I will be engaging with the committee on this matter in due course.”
“I was also delighted to attend the Skipper Expo, which was a great opportunity to meet with so many involved in this sector, to meet the wider community and supported processors at the Seafood Expo Global with Bord Bia. During European Maritime Day in May, I had the pleasure of visiting Castletownbere again, with the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Professor Costas Kadis, where, together, we invited all the seafood representatives to join us for a joint meeting. The occasion also provided me with an opportunity to present the concerns of the sector in Ireland to the Commissioner. From subsequent engagement with him, I know that many of the points that were raised by the sector have certainly landed. I met him again on Sunday and Monday of this week, and he was regaling some of the concerns again.”
“The majority of these are co-funded under EMFAF and they are Exchequer funded, specifically, the fleet safety and marine tourism schemes. Many Members will be aware that I have placed a heavy emphasis on personal engagement with the seafood sector since I took this role in February. So far, I have visited three State fishery harbours - Killybegs, Castletownbere and Ros an Mhíl - and some on more than one occasion. I have engaged directly with stakeholders across the board from the catching and aquaculture and processing sectors. I also intend to get to Howth, Dunmore East and Dingle before the end of the summer. I have met with seafood representative groups, all recognised producer organisations and the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, NIFF, the fish co-operatives, processors and the aquaculturalists on two occasions.”
“I had the pleasure to attend, along with 23 or 24 from that sector, a recent seafood fair in Barcelona. I am committed to continuing that effort, on behalf of the sector and the country, of attending those trade missions whenever they arise, notwithstanding the impact has on the work programme. The Department and I are committed to supporting the industry in every way possible. Separately to the SDP, the Department also funds supports and services provided by Bord Bia to the agrifood sector, including seafood. These, in particular, marketing innovation, new product development, etc., are accessed by seafood processors. Funding supports are also provided to the commercial seafood sector by Enterprise Ireland and by Údarás na Gaeltachta. Fourteen schemes will be implemented by BIM this year on behalf of our Department, again under the SDP.”
“I share the concerns of the sector. I fully recognise the very significant impact that it has on those in the catching and processing sectors and that will inform the work of the Department and myself and the Government over the years ahead. More generally, funding for supports for the commercial seafood sector are provided under the Seafood Development Programme, SDP. That programme is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Commission under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, EMFAF, 2021-2027. Schemes for industry under the SDP are primarily implemented by BIM. Bord Bia also provides funding to industry through that SDP to assist seafood processors to attend international trade shows and market-study visits to carry out consumer and market research.”
“In addition, targeted supports, funded through the Brexit adjustment reserve, helped the sector to navigate the unprecedented challenge of Brexit. Total Government spend across the seafood sector over the five-year period 2020 to 2024 was in excess of €800 million. This included investment of almost €160 million in State-owned public marine infrastructure. This funded a comprehensive range of supports to mitigate the impacts of Brexit and enable the sector to adjust to operating post-Brexit. Many of these supports were the result of the recommendations of the seafood task force, to which industry representatives made a valuable contribution. I do not underestimate in any way the impact that Brexit has had on the seafood sector. We had the opportunity this morning to have a discussion on the first occasion with the committee.”
“I have noticed over the past number of years that there has been a reduction in the volume produced and I want to work with colleagues to try to ensure that we can get some of these production levels back up again which will be of benefit to our coastal communities and to the economy generally. These metrics clearly demonstrate the resilience of the sector despite significant challenge in recent years and its capacity to pivot and adjust to a changing environment. This progress would not be possible without strategic and well-targeted investment, both public and private, and through the seafood development programme, the Government is delivering essential support to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability and employment across the sector.”
“Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, business of seafood report 2024 offers a comprehensive assessment of the economic impact of the seafood sector. The report tells us that the Irish seafood industry is valued at €1.24 billion, an increase of 4% on 2023, it employs almost 8,000 people directly across fishing, aquaculture and processing, and a total of almost 17,000 people when indirect employment is included. Fish landings in Ireland were valued at €461 million in 2024. While €325 million came from Irish vessels, €136 million came from non-Irish vessels. The report shows a value growth of 25% in the aquaculture sector which is also encouraging. Within aquaculture, much of that increase is related to the increase in the value of the stock.”
“My appointment, as a dedicated Minister with responsibility across fisheries and the marine to co-ordinate and integrate these key policy areas, clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Government to this sector. Our seas are a national asset that provide a wide range of commercial and societal benefits and through activities such as commercial fishing and aquaculture, but also through their contribution to transport, tourism, recreation, renewable energy and cultural heritage, also play a vital role in supporting marine life and biodiversity for a healthy planet. An important feature of my role in the Department relates to marine protected areas and I am anxious to progress with that. We can have that discussion on another day under the environment side of the Department that I addressed there.”
“I thank the Deputies for seeking the opportunity for statements on fisheries. I am pleased to discuss the important issues concerned affecting the fisheries sector. I wish to reassure the House that as Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and the marine, I recognise the importance of maintaining a vibrant fishing sector, both for the communities that rely on it and, indeed, the wider economy. The Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland's Future reflects this approach by committing to securing a sustainable future for the fisheries sector while supporting coastal communities that rely on this activity for their livelihood.”
“We need to look to a future that will involve greater use of technology, as the Deputy identified and as was identified for those of us who had an opportunity to visit the ports, and the level of scrutiny that is now available through such technology. That is where we have to go ultimately, because the sense I get is that the fishing industry generally is committed to doing what is right. We need to work with those on all sides to ensure that this happens.”
“I thank the Deputy for his intervention. He is raising concerns and issues that have been shared with him and with me. I met the SFPA. The people I met and the various sections of the organisation are fulfilling their mandate to the best of their ability. We have to recognise that the authority's role is prescribed in legislation. We are precluded from involving ourselves directly in any decisions it takes. The Deputy raised points that are relevant and that an be discussed at the committee. We also have to recognise that there is an important role for the SFPA in ensuring that we meet our commitments at European level regarding our quota management, landings and all of that activity.”
“The implementation of the recommendations has required investment in systems, restructuring and personnel. An independent advisory board nominated by the Department assisted the management of the SFPA in implementing the recommendations. The Department has provided significant additional resources to the authority in recent years to strengthen it and ensure that it delivers to a high standard in the context of its core responsibilities. I recognise the point the Deputy raised. These matters can be thrashed out by the new committee. I am pleased that there is a new committee and that it will focus, in particular, on fisheries and the marine.”
“The principal objective of the review, which was carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers, was to contribute to the ongoing and future development of the organisation. The areas covered by the review were the organisational capabilities of the SFPA to deliver on its mission for the effective and fair regulation - and I emphasise fair regulation - of the sea-fishing and seafood sectors that fall within its mandate. I have to accept that fishermen, fisherwomen and processors do not believe that it is fair. That is their view. The Deputy is entitled to express that here. It would be useful for the matter to be discussed at the committee. The report contained 46 recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the organisation and the process of implementing the review findings has been completed.”
“In addition, section 68 provides for the accountability of the SFPA to committees of the Oireachtas generally. There is an opportunity to exercise this provision. I am conscious that the consultative committee has a number of vacancies. I intend to address that matter relatively shortly and look forward to the committee engaging with us on it. An independent review of the organisational capability of the SFPA was completed in April 2020. I will come back to the Deputy in a supplementary reply.”