Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021
324. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a plan (details supplied) for the inshore sector was not adopted; the reason he has not engaged with fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4689/21]
View answer329. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4695/21]
View answer330. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4698/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 324, 329 and 330 together.
In 2014, the Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums were established in recognition of the absence of a formal representative body for the majority of the small scale coastal fleet of the inshore fisheries sector. The network of six Regional Forums nominate members to the National Inshore Fisheries Forum to bring forward proposals for the development of their sector. I have met with the NIFF and heard directly the concerns and goals of the sector. Since their establishment, the Forums have been given a seat to speak for the inshore sector on matters from Quota Management to the EMFF Operational Programme Monitoring Committee and have been effective in securing specific measures for their sector.
In 2019, the Forums brought forward the first industry-led Strategy for the Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector and are currently in the process of implementing the Strategy with support from BIM, my Department and other agencies. This Strategy flowed from an extensive consultation process that engaged the inshore sector itself as well as other stakeholders.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, specifically sets the aim of supporting the inshore sector to establish a Producer Organisation to generate greater marketing and promotional capacity. My Department currently has two applications on hand for producer organisations for the inshore sector.
