'My only objective has been to support fishers': A Q&A session with Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue

Fishers have been protesting for many years against quotas and EU measures on fishing. The 'Irish Examiner' sat down and examined the issues with Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue

Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue: 'I am absolutely committed to investing in every aspect of our fishing industry and also to fighting tooth and nail to try and improve our national quota position as well within the EU.' Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin

Q. Some 64 boats are going for decommissioning. Most of the owners are going for it because they can't make a living. They can't make a living because they don't have enough quota. They say they don't have enough quota because Ireland didn't play a strong enough hand in the Brexit-related talks. 

Added to that, offshore wind farms are coming down the tracks and they believe they will take away from fishing grounds. In addition, there is little or no confidence that Ireland will actually succeed against Norway. There's a general sense of betrayal and dismay among the fishing community. What's your response to that?