Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has welcomed the news that his party will hold the Chairperson position of the new Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.
Speaking to The Skipper He said:
“I commend our fishing and seafood industry leaders on their campaigning that has led to a dedicated Minister for Fisheries and the re-establishment of a dedicated Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs after many years with out one.
This will mean that rather than four or five weeks a year of committee sittings, we will now have over 30 weeks. That will mean that those in positions of authority are held to account like never before.
More importantly, there will be a spotlight on the needs of our fishing and seafood industry like never before”
“I am delighted that Sinn Féin will Chair this important committee. Working with other TDs and Senators on a cross party basis, this can be the start of a reset for our industry both in Ireland and in Europe”.
The removal of the SFPA has to be top of the list as their incompetence led to 700t of fish being sent to the fish meal plant instead of being processed for human consumption.
This was a disgraceful misuse of authority by the SFPA and now the people of West Africa will continue to go hungry .
Has this issue been investigated by the relevant authorities as the people have to be aware of the mistakes that the SFPA continues on a regular basis?