The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs will resume discussions today (Tuesday, April 14) on sea fisheries protection issues with representatives from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).
Committee Cathaoirleach Conor McGuinness said: “The committee first engaged with the SFPA in November 2025 to examine matters relating to sea fisheries protection and the legislative framework governing the Authority. Since then, the committee has held a series of meetings with a wide range of stakeholders across the sector.”
“We have heard directly from representatives of the seafood and fishing industry, including processors and exporters, as well as from the Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Timmy Dooley,” he said.
“These engagements have provided detailed insight into the operation of the SFPA, particularly in relation to the implementation and enforcement of sea fisheries regulations, and the impact of these on those working in the sector,” he said.
“A consistent theme emerging from these discussions has been concern regarding the accountability of the SFPA and the transparency of its processes. These are serious matters which the committee is determined to examine in full,” he said.
“This second engagement with the SFPA, led by executive chairperson Paschal Hayes, is an important part of that work. The committee expects clear and comprehensive responses to the issues that have been raised to date, including those which remain unanswered following the Authority’s previous appearance,” he said.
“The committee has tasked Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn with preparing a comprehensive report on sea fisheries protection issues,” McGuinness said.
“This engagement will inform that report, as part of the committee’s ongoing work to scrutinise the policies and practices of the SFPA and to ensure that appropriate accountability structures are in place. We look forward to a constructive and focused discussion.”
The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs has 14 members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.
The meeting at 11 am in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.
