Fishing protest and catch weighing
Deputy Collins warned of a major fishing industry protest over Brexit-related problems and a catch weighing crisis affecting fishermen nationwide, and sought an immediate debate. The Minister said the issue should be raised through the Business Committee for future Dáil business.
The Minister is well aware that tomorrow, the biggest crisis in the fishing industry will lead to protests throughout the country. It will probably be the biggest fishing industry protest for decades. We have had a disastrous term with regard to fishing and Brexit, in which the Minister and the Government have been caught asleep at the wheel.
Comment on this
Now we have been led into a catch weighing crisis that is out of all proportion, as the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, SFPA, and the Minister now accept. They knew about it in December and did not acknowledge it to the industry until April. I am asking for a debate on this issue today. It is a serious issue. The fishermen of Ireland will protest tomorrow in massive numbers. This can be averted. There should at least be a discussion in the House, or show them there is a future in the fishing industry of this country.
Comment on this
I advise that the Deputy's representative on the Business Committee raise it in that committee, where it can be discussed and decided on for future Dáil business.