Donegal TD Padraig MacLochlainn has been confirmed as the Sinn Fein Fisheries and Marine spokesperson.
MacLochlainn has held the role since 2020, and was confirmed in the role once again today.
He will also maintain his role as the party’s Chief Whip in the Dáil.
In a statement, he said that he was “delighted” to maintain the role, and that he would hold the newly-appointed Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and the marine, Timmy Dooley, to account.
“I am delighted to be re-appointed to this important role,” Deputy Mac Lochlainn said.
“I have worked in partnership with the Irish fishing and seafood industry over the last five years to fight for fairness for our fishing and coastal communities. I worked with our inshore, offshore, islands and aquaculture sectors. Over that period, I met with fishermen and seafood producers at piers and harbours from Greencastle right around to Clogherhead.”
“I published Sinn Féin’s commitments document, ‘Stand Up for Irish Fishermen’ and developed this into our manifesto commitments at the last general election that was widely welcomed by the industry.”
“Ireland is surrounded by some of the richest fishing grounds in the world, yet our fishing and seafood industry is in serious decline. For too long, government after government has neglected the sector and handed away our rights to a fair share of the fish in our own seas.”
“The appointment of a Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine is welcome and long overdue. This appointment is a testament to the grassroots campaign over many years for the reinstatement of a dedicated Minister.”
“I will hold Minister Timmy Dooley to account but also offer him constructive solutions. The first thing that Minister Dooley needs to do is listen to the voices of fishermen and the seafood production industry and then to work with them on how we turn around the industry and get justice and fairness for all.”
