Over two weeks ago, I raised the very positive proposal by Government, which is a policy directive to ban vessels over 18 m from fishing within the 6 mile limit. The Taoiseach promised to get back to me and I realise he is very busy, however, two weeks have lapsed and the policy directive is to become effective from 1 October. I can see no sign of the policy directive. I very much welcome it but given the last time this was discussed was 2018, and because of various court cases, it was not implemented, we have a new policy following an extensive consultation. Where can I find the directive? Is it to become operative from 1 October this week?

It is but I will get the most up-to-date information for the Deputy and will communicate it to her directly. From 1 October, trawling activity and fishing vessels over 18 m in length over all waters inside the 6 nautical mile zone will be prohibited.

Thank you, Taoiseach.

That is the announcement but where is the policy?

That is the policy.

It will be effective from October.

If you prohibit, you prohibit from 1 October. My briefing note states a limited total allowable catch of 2,000 tonnes of sprat will be permitted for vessels over 18 m long overall within the 6 nautical miles and inside baselines from October 2025 to 30 December 2026 only. The Deputy will know the story of the extensive public consultation that happened prior to this decision being made and the 5,000 submissions received. Some 94% of those submissions wanted a new ban on trawling activity. I have been pursuing it myself with the respective Ministers to get this decision.