By Dan Walsh
Speaking in the Dáil this week Deputy Johnny Mythen asked An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar TD, to intervene in a serious situation concerning the scallop fishers in County Wexford, but An Tánaiste disappointed when he indicated that no legislation is promised on the matter.
Deputy Mythen said; “There are seven such boats in total: five in Kilmore Quay and two in Duncannon. From March 1st, they will be forbidden by the UK authorities to land their catch at any UK port. This will kill off the scallop industry in County Wexford.
“More than 120 families will be affected. This industry is worth more than €12 million to the local economy. Every €1 earned at sea creates €4 on land. I ask the Tánaiste to take this serious situation in hand and through the various Departments, including his own, to find a solution before the deadline of March 1st,” added Deputy Mythen.
In reply, An Tánaiste said; “There is no legislation promised on that matter and I do not think I have any particular powers of intervention when it comes to such issues. I will let the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, who has responsibility for fisheries, know that the issue was raised and I will ask him to get back to the Deputy.
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