South Down MLA Seán Rogers (SDLP) has called on the Minister for Agriculture Michelle O’Neill to set up a small grant programme to provide responder devices to fishermen.
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Séan Rogers MLA has called for fishermen to be supplied with responder devices.[/caption]In particular the MLA referred to the dangers associated with oyster fishing and how such devices may have the potential to save lives.
Speaking in the NI Assembly, the South Down MLA said: “A couple of months ago in Clare, an oyster fisherman tragically lost his life when the tides came in on him. As you know, good communication between land and sea is vital, but, with competing phone signals in the likes of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough, the mobile phone is not an answer”.
Mr Rogers explained how modern technology has enabled these relatively inexpensive and potentially life-saving pieces of equipment to be manufactured in a way that makes them small enough to attach to a life jacket.
Following the Ministers response that she has ‘not been privy to any kind of conversation about responder devices’ the South Down MLA said: xa0“I was pleased that the Minister demonstrated a willingness to explore the possibility of becoming involved with other stakeholders to investigate the matter further. I will continue to work with the Minister and her Department to ensure this happens in a timely fashion”.
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