I want to raise a serious issue facing the fishing sector. Norwegian vessels are plundering mackerel stocks. In conjunction with the UK and Faroe Islands, they have set themselves massively inflated quotas for mackerel. Scientific advice is saying that quotas should be reduced by 22% but it is the Irish and European boats that are going to have to face the 22% reduction. Meanwhile, while Norway is overfishing mackerel, they have unfettered and unchecked access to blue whiting, another important species off the west coast of Ireland. This needs to stop. Mackerel is an incredibly important species for big boats and for small boats. The sector is looking for the State to stand up it and most importantly for Europe to intervene, stand up to the Norwegians and stop this harmful practice before the species is brought to the brink.

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue for fishermen and the fishing communities he represents. I will certainly talk to the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, about this issue and, if the Minister believes it appropriate, am very happy to assist in raising and escalating this at European level.