It’s hoped the establishment of the new Oireachtas Fisheries and Maritime Committee will be the first step in greater supports for the sector.

The committee will meet for the first time later this week at Leinster House.

Members of both the Dáil and Seanad are part of the committee which leads national policy discussions on Ireland’s fishing industry, coastal communities, and marine sustainability.

The development follows the appointment of Timmy Dooley as the first dedicated Fisheries and Marine Minister.

CEO of the Irish Processors and Exporters Association, Brendan Byrne says the industry will be of the upmost focus to those involved: