The Committee shadows the work of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, focusing on matters relating to protecting the interests of fishing and coastal communities.
What we do
- Overview
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The Committee was established following the orders of Dáil Éireann on 30 April 2025 and of Seanad Éireann on 13 May 2025.
The select committee may consider Bills, Estimates and other business referred to it by the Dáil Éireann that relate to the Department.
The joint committee may consider EU business and engage with Ministers and European bodies. It is also empowered to consider the general scheme or draft heads of Bills and any post-enactment report on any Bill enacted by the Houses in respect of the Department. It may also engage with chairpersons-designates of bodies or agencies under the aegis of the Department.
- Key priorities
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The key policy priorities for the Committee include:
General
- The Joint Committee is empowered to consider such other policy issues as it may select within its terms of reference.
Key policy issues for examination:
- Marine Protected Areas
- Aquaculture Licensing including legislative reform and examination of international best practices
- Fishing Vessel Safety Issues arising from the case of Mary Kate WD30
- Income Stabilisation for Inshore Fishers
- Sea and Cliff Rescue
- Sea Fisheries Protection Issues including legislative reform of oversight and accountability framework
- Review of the Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) Process
- Engagement with the Irish Charter Skippers Association
- Influence of “the big 5” Fishing Corporations
- Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy
- Angel Shark Protection
- Native Oyster Restoration
- Issues affecting young people in the Maritime Sector
- Review of the Irish Quota allocation System as impacting the inshore sector
- Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
- Engagement with Environmental NGOs
- Pre Financing for Small Irish Producer Organisations (IIMRO and NIFA)
- Review of Kieran Mulvey’s Report for the Minister
- MI and ALAB resourcing
- European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
- Post Brexit supports
- Seaweed production
- Marine Biodiversity, Environment and Conservation (e.g. MPAs, impact of climate change, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, EU Ocean Pact)
- National Economic Diversification and Coastal Livelihoods
- Marine Tourism
- Marine Education, Research and Technology Development
- Governance Strategy and Leadership within DAFM, SFPA, BIM
- Bluefin Tuna Sportfishing
- Angling
- Fishing practices (e.g. bottom trawling, sprat fisheries)
- Offshore wind facilities
More about committees
An Oireachtas committee is a group of Members of the Oireachtas chosen by one or both Houses of the Oireachtas to consider a certain topic.
Committees receive submissions and presentations from members of the public, interest groups and Government Departments. Their public meetings are broadcast live and recorded and they may publish reports on specific issues.
Committees also scrutinise Government expenditure and debate proposed legislation.
How committees operate
Committees are formed when both Dáil and Seanad elections have taken place and after a Government is formed.
The work of committees
Committees tend to shadow the work of a Department and consider all aspects of policy relating to that Department.
Giving evidence
Committees may invite people or bodies to give evidence by way of written or oral presentation on relevant matters.