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I would like to add my voice to the many Fianna Fáil Senators and Deputies demanding the Government take a very strong stance against the proposed cuts in fishing quotas for 2012. The proposed cuts pose a significant threat to almost 700 full and part-time jobs.  
 
They include:
 
A 20% reduction in fishing quota in the Celtic Sea
A 36% reduction in fishing quota in the Irish Sea
An18% reduction in fishing quota for Northwest fleet
 
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Marine and Fisheries John Browne TD has outlined the damage that the marine industry would incur as a result of the cuts. “The European Commission’s proposals as they stand would cost €5m in respect of the Irish Sea cuts, €16m arising from the Celtic Sea cuts and a further estimated €1.2m loss of income from the cuts to the Northwest fleet.  Bord Iascaigh Mhara estimates that Ireland could face losses from these proposed cuts of between €60 and €65 million and between 500 and 700 full and part-time jobs would be affected.”

The fishing sector is central to the economies of many communities, villages and town dotted along Ireland’s coast. It provides thousands of jobs for fishermen and seafood processors; while supporting the enterprise of small, medium and locally based businesses.

One can only imagine the scale of the damage these proposed cuts would have on the individuals and businesses that are so closely linked. Cuts to the fishing sector would have a knock-on effect on employment across a range of industries and services. In this current economic climate, an outcome that worsens our situation must be avoided. As such, I am calling on the Government to fight these cuts in favour of a more practical and less devastating alternative.