Cork South West TD, Holly Cairns, Social Democrat spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, has called on Minister Creed to immediately review the Covid-19 tie-up scheme. It is designed to adjust the supply of fish coming onto a currently depressed market and protect quota availability for later in the year; however, many fishing communities have found it unsatisfactory.
Holly explains:
“It became clear from when the scheme was announced that it was not fit for purpose. Representatives of fishing communities contacted me highlighting that it is not sufficient to cover their costs. Fishing is an expensive livelihood from maintenance costs to insurance and safety fees. Their concerns are reflected in reports that very few fishermen will take up this voluntary scheme.”
“ I am echoing calls from the Irish South and West FPO and others that the Minister immediately reviews the scheme to ensure that it supports the seafood sector which is on the verge of collapse. I had sought that Minister Creed establish a task force at the beginning of the crisis which could actively produce practical and financial supports that are desperately needed by fishing communitie; unfortunately, he chose a different approach. We are now seeing the results of a lack of real engagement with fishing communities and their organisations.”
“The scheme needs to be reviewed and adjusted to provide greater flexibility and more support. French authorities have presented an alternative model which is more in line with the needs of our fishing communities, but the Minister rejected this approach in his response to my questions. At a time when we are all making changes to the way we do business I would have hoped the Department would be open to more proactive and participatory methods to help an industry that is vital to so many coastal and island communities.
ENDS
8th June 2020