Fishing versus farming: Fishermen get no Brussels' cheque in the post.

The EU:

The Irish fishing industry has been working independently and in a free market since 1983. More boats on the water won't solve the problem when we need a change in the Common Fisheries Policy.

Low Irish fish consumption:

You have to look at the best market, given the demand. Obviously it is far more sensible to promote herring roe in Japan and the Far East than to convince Irish people that they should like it.

Conservation:

We need limitations on where vessels are allowed to fish, and we will have to look seriously at closed areas. But equal application of rules is the difficulty, and this is an issue not just for Ireland but for the EU.

Fish farming:

We have had a virtual revolution. Not many people know that we are now producing 50 million Pacific oysters annually, compared to almost nothing 12 years ago.

The future:

Joey Murrin is right when he expresses concern about untrained crews and safety . . . the challenge is to restore pride in the fishing industry and ensure there is a career structure that makes it worthwhile.