I share Senator O'Donovan's disappointment and anger at the proposals at EU level to reduce fishing quotas for the Irish fishing industry. In particular, we see a disparity in the distribution of quotas, which I have raised on the floor of this House many times, where 1% of the quota is shared among 1,500 vessels, while 99% is shared among 50 vessels. This is being played out right across Europe, where we see that the bigger, more industrial fishery operations are benefiting more from the distribution of quotas as opposed to the small family-owned vessels right across the shore. We need to fight for better equality in the distribution of quota. We need to push back and make sure that, as an island nation, we have fair and accessible rights to any stocks.

If there are proposals around compensation, we need to ensure this is done in a manner that is fair, considering the fact that 65% of the jobs are in the inshore sector. The inshore sector also has 90% of the national fishing register. I acknowledge the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, which has raised this with me.

I would also like to highlight the safe routes to school funding that is due to be announced this week. In particular, there is a situation in Mayo at Kilmurry National School that could and should benefit from safe routes to school funding, with serious engagement from the local authority. There is a dangerous junction and bend outside the school, with no on-site parking. Staff and parents are forced to use the school playground to park. This is an example where safe routes to school funding can come into play to make it a safe and welcoming environment for students and teachers. I suggest that the safe routes to school model be rolled out as much as possible to support schools like Kilmurry National School, where there is a dangerous junction and a lack of playing facilities for children due to the lack of infrastructure. I acknowledge Noreen Lennon, the principal, and Michael Herr, the chair of the board of management, who have raised this with me. I look forward to visiting them and supporting them on this issue.