Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
816. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assessment which has been made of the employment supported by the inshore fishing sector, including onshore jobs in coastal communities; the way in which the Government plans to safeguard this employment in the context of climate change and economic pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6614/26]
View answerBord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) publishes an annual report 'The Business of Seafood' which considers the level of indirect employment supported by Ireland's commercial seafood sector. The most recent report estimated that 7,996 were directly employed in the sector in 2024, with a total of 16,874 directly or indirectly employed.
Based on responses to the National Seafood Survey, BIM has advised that fishing vessels less than 18 meters (in length) provide full time equivalent total employment of 1,078. BIM also advises that the upstream impact of the inshore sector on coastal economies and employment are not available at this level of aggregation, and can only be estimated.
The government recognises the contribution made by Ireland's commercial seafood sector to the sustainability of coastal economies. While the sector is no doubt facing challenges, equally there are potential opportunities for our seafood producers and processors to diversify into related activities.
As the Deputy know, I have announced the establishment of a group to consider and respond to the challenges facing the seafood sector. The group is being established under the framework of Ireland's Food Vision Strategy and I expect it will be in place in the coming weeks. I have announced Mr. Michael Berkery, former General Secretary of the Irish Farmer's Association, has been invited to act as the Independent chair for this group.
This group will consider the range of challenges and opportunities facing the sector as a whole, including those faced by inshore fishing sector, and the types of measures that will be possible to develop in order to support the environmental and economic sustainability and resilience of the sector.
BIM already provides a range of supports and services to the inshore fishing sector, including supports for inshore fishers to develop short-supply chains, which will allow fishers to better maximise the value of their landings. I would strongly encourage inshore fishers to engage with their local BIM Regional Development Officer who can support and advise them on the range of supports available to them.
