There is an appalling disparity in the Government's allocation of our national mackerel quota. Only 2% is assigned to all vessels under 15 m, while 98% is given to a few much larger boats. Inshore fishers make up the majority of the fishing sector and they engage in the most sustainable type of fishing which has been practised in our island and coastal communities for centuries, yet they only receive 2% of the quota. Last year, because of this massive disparity, inshore fishers were forced to stop catching mackerel in June. I spoke on the issue then. In the meantime, I have repeatedly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to adjust the quota. He has refused to do so. It is very clear that last year's situation will be repeated. Small family fishers who are just getting by will again be restricted in making their livelihoods without policy change. Will the Government please reconsider this blatantly unfair policy?

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I know it is something we have discussed before. Mackerel is the species most impacted by Brexit trade and co-operation agreement. Between now and 2026, we will lose 25% of our mackerel-----

Sorry, but I am not asking about that.

I know that.

I am talking about the national allocation of our mackerel quota.

I heard the Deputy's question.

Please.

I am answering, but context is obviously really important. We have only a certain quota nationally. The point I am making is that 25% of that between now and 2026 will be lost due to the severe impact, particularly on mackerel, of Brexit. We have to manage what we have. There is no agreement that any of that would be reallocated from any of the sectors that currently use it to the inshore hook-and-line sector. At the moment, that sector, which is extremely sustainable, viable and important, gets 400 tonnes per year. A few years ago, it did not get any. It has since been allocated 400 tonnes. Any decision to change that would require a significant and comprehensive consultation process.

It is only 2% to the sector.

That is correct. There is not agreement among the sector on that. It is certainly something I am considering.

Thank you.

I am considering the matter but there has been no decision made in respect of it. This is not straightforward because fishers are not agreed on it.