Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the significant crash in crab prices, shellfish producers are currently left in an unprofitable position with greatly reduced turnovers. Live markets are under severe pressure from the extra product that is being funnelled into them to try to compensate for the problems with the cooked crab market. The inshore sector desperately needs financial assistance to sustain itself through the winter period. Without financial assistance, hundreds of farmers across Donegal and the rest of Ireland are at risk of not being able to pay their bills or put food on the table this winter. The inshore sector provides vital employment in some of the most isolated parts of the country where there are little or no other employment opportunities. That is particularly the case in our island communities, such as Arranmore, and other areas, including Port, Inver, Cladnageragh, Shalwy and Loughros Point, to name but a few. Will the Government provide immediate financial support for our inshore fishermen?

I thank the Deputy. This is a matter on which I have been engaging with the inshore fishery sector. Christopher O'Sullivan TD, who has just left the Chamber, has been discussing the pressures in the sector with me over the past week or two. There has definitely been a real challenge in respect of the market. I met all the inshore fisher representative organisations yesterday and had a thorough discussion with them. I am fully assessing the situation. I am aware of the challenges inshore fishermen are facing. The inshore sector is massively important to our fisheries and to employment in coastal communities. It is a sector I have sought to support strongly. I will continue to engage with them over the coming short period of time.