The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs will meet on Tuesday to examine a revised proposal aimed at supporting Ireland’s inshore fishing sector.
The committee will hear from National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) chairman Michael Desmond and vice-chairman John Menarry at an 11am session in Leinster House.
The discussion will focus on NIFA’s Adapted Inshore Fisheries Income Stabilisation and Climate Compensation Scheme, a proposal developed in response to mounting pressures facing small-scale fishing operators.
Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Conor McGuinness said the committee first examined the proposal in February against a backdrop of “existential challenges” for the sector.
These challenges include quota reductions, rising operating costs, fewer fishing days due to severe weather and increased imports of shellfish.
“Since NIFA’s initial proposal was presented to the Committee, the fishing industry has faced increasing cost pressures in relation to fuel, while poor weather conditions have restricted safe fishing days and caused damage to gear,” Deputy McGuinness said.
The revised proposal seeks a payment of €20,000 per eligible vessel each January under a three-year pilot scheme. NIFA has also identified potential funding sources for the programme.
Additional measures include a weather and safety assurance payment to compensate for fishing days lost to extreme weather, an inshore sustainability and public goods scheme, a bait security programme and support for diversification and innovation projects.
Deputy McGuinness noted that the committee had previously written to the Minister of State for Fisheries seeking stronger representation for the inshore sector on the Food Vision Seafood Sector Group and requesting consideration of the NIFA proposal. The committee also called for dedicated fuel supports for the fishing industry.
“The Committee welcomes this adapted proposal from NIFA and looks forward to discussing the details, funding sources and related matters with Mr Desmond and Mr Menarry,” he said.
The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs comprises 14 members, including nine TDs and five Senators.
Proceedings from Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.
