Mr McNarry: Following on from the issue of France and Spain providing financial assistance to their fishermen, will the Minister explain to our fishermen why she is failing to respond to their proposals?

Ms Gildernew: I have made the point to the Assembly on several occasions that I have many industries under my Department’s authority that are in severe financial difficulties, including the pig sector, the poultry sector and the red meat industry. The agriculture industry faces serious problems —

Mr McNarry: I am asking only about the fishing industry.

Ms Gildernew: I am putting the matter in context. Unlike France and Spain, we are not a member state, and we do not have the same autonomy as those countries. We will look at what we can do to put together a long-term package of aid for our fishing community. I want to see a viable and sustainable fishing industry, although it is difficult to achieve that now. However, I am mindful of the issues and the high input costs that face some of our other sectors.

I must make across-the-board decisions that attempt to help everybody.

Mr Burns: Has the Minister identified any other agricultural or rural schemes that might benefit from the de minimis policy?

Ms Gildernew: No; I have not considered that possibility, and I am not sure where the Member is going with that question.