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Minister McConalogue meets National Inshore Fisheries Forum

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine,  Charlie McConalogue T.D., today hosted a meeting of the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) online with representatives from the industry dialling in from around the coast. 

The inshore sector has faced a particularly tough trading year with its key food service markets in Europe and elsewhere among the worst-affected by COVID-19 restrictions.  Minister McConalogue observed, “As essential workers, fishers have been in a position to continue bringing ashore seafood. However, I am conscious that the prolonged closures and restrictions on trading for hotels and restaurants across Europe have had a marked impact on Irish seafood trade.”

The NIFF delivered presentations on the challenges small scale coastal fishers have faced in accessing financial supports and on opportunities the sector would like to maximise into the future. The Minister encouraged the inshore sector to feed into the development of the Operational Programme for the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027.

Mental health and the well-being of fishers were also highlighted by the NIFF at the meeting, with particular focus on the worries that the pandemic has brought from finances, to health and social inclusion. 

Minister McConalogue commended the NIFF for giving voice to the stress that many have felt since the pandemic took hold. He stated,  “In the face of the uncertainty of the twin challenges of COVID and Brexit it is natural that many would feel anxious and worried at this time.  I know first-hand how close knit our coastal communities are and I firmly believe that they have the resilience to see through these difficult times.  I will continue to work in Government for the best possible outcomes for our seafood sector as we navigate our way toward a new future.” 

Notes for editors:

The Government’s Healthy Ireland website provides advice, information and support on a number of topics including minding your mood, eating well, keeping active, keeping in contact and being creative.

Health Service Executive’s www.yourmentalhealth.ie, includes:

• Things to do to support mental wellbeing,
• Practical advice on helping someone experiencing mental health issues,
• Advice on coping with difficult situations that can impact mental health, and
• Getting help for urgent mental health issues.

BIM has produced the Fishermen's Health Manual, containing practical advice on keeping healthy at sea and on land and has been translated into five languages.  More than 3,000 fishermen and women in Ireland have received the manual to date.