Fishing Industry

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Questions (628)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

628. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with the representative organisations for fishermen to confirm their concerns that banks in the State are holding back on lending to fishermen, even when they have State-backed proposals; and if he will engage with the stakeholders such as his Department, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and an organisation (details supplied) to find a solution that will allow the industry to sustain itself and grow. [14164/25]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My colleague, Minister of State Dooley, has met with the fisheries representative organisations in February and requested a submission from each on matters of importance to their sector members. These matters will be fully considered and will inform a series of industry engagements that Minister Dooley has committed to over the coming months. Specific areas where my Department and state agencies can assist will be identified and progressed following engagement with industry.

Question No. 629 answered with Question No. 616.