I would like to be able to give my time to Mercosur but time is tight and another dirty deal has been done in Europe, at the expense of Irish fishermen. The mackerel quota and the whitefish haddock quota has been pretty much wiped out and it is an absolute disaster for Ireland's coastal communities. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has recommended a cut to just 174,357 tonnes for 2026. That is a 70% drop from 576,958 tonnes last year. Despite that, Norway, the UK, the Faeroe Islands and Iceland have secured a combined total allowable catch of 299,000 tonnes, which is nearly double the scientific advice, while our fleet is being wiped out. While foreign supertrawlers come into Irish waters and take all our fish our lads are on the sidelines. Thanks to the failure to apply our Hague preferences Ireland's quota plummets from 39,914 tonnes to just 10,907 tonnes with an economic hit of about €48 million. With blue whiting, ICES is calling for a 41% cut yet we are watching others profit from our waters. Has the Minister of State proposed a meeting with President von der Leyen to address the failure of Hague preferences, the EU fisheries Commission and the protection of these stocks? They are systematic failures not minor errors. Ireland must fight back, launch a legal challenge and stand up for the big five corporations. Our fishermen deserve better. I have another question on Mercosur that will take two seconds. Are MEPs Barry Andrews, Regina Doherty and Seán Kelly going to be whipped to vote no to Mercosur or are they backing the Ursula deal? The Minister of State needs to tell us that.
Sentiment score: -0.07
I am going to be like a twin brother to Deputy Healy-Rae because I have very similar questions. The Minister will know, and I have said already, the International Council for Exploration of the Sea has just recommended a cut to the fishing quota, with 174,357 tonnes for 2026. That is a 70% drop from 576,958 tonnes last year. What we want to know is whether the Irish Government is taking a legal challenge. Is the Government going to stand up on behalf of the Irish fishermen and take a legal challenge? Has it met President Ursula von der Leyen to address the failure of the Hague preferences, and where is it at in this present time? A legal challenge is the only way and mechanism we have and the Hague preferences are there. I have a question for the Minister of State regarding Mercosur. This will be the third time I ask it, between the Taoiseach and Ministers. Will Barry Andrews of Fianna Fáil, Regina Doherty of Fine Gael and Seán Kelly of Fine Gael vote for Mercosur? Is the Government going to apply the whip? In fairness, the Government came out last week with its position. There was a bit of a struggle but we got there. This is the third time I have asked this question and nobody on the other side of the House can answer it. Is the Government going to apply the whip? Are they backing Ursula or are they backing Ireland? That is what we are asking. It is a straight-up question and I want a straight-up answer. I would really appreciate an answer from the Minister of State. This is the third time I have asked.
Sentiment score: 0.06
Put all the companies ahead of the Irish farmer. You are dead right, boy.
Sentiment score: -0.32
You are heading in the right direction.
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It will be in Northern Ireland.
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On 12 December we learned about contaminated beef that came in.
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I did not say any different. They are doing great, thank God, but I am interested in looking after Irish beef and Irish poultry.
Sentiment score: 0.41
They should not be sacrificed for it.
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You are.
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Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are a disgrace.
Sentiment score: -0.34
What is the Government going to do about the fishing? Will it shove them under the trawler as well?
Sentiment score: 0.14
Have you my answer?
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