Mackerel quota negotiations
Gallagher asked whether the Government was seeking to exceed the previous 80,000-tonne mackerel quota. The Minister said he was seeking substantial increases, but withheld figures while negotiations continued.
Is the Minister trying to have the 80,000 tonne quota of last year increased rather than trying to negotiate a figure between 70,000 and 80,000 tonnes, in view of the landing capacity of the boats and the freezing capacity on shore?
Comment on this
Yes, the Minister and I had a meeting on this issue and we are looking for substantial increases in quotas in all species, including mackerel.