Financial safeguards must be introduced for fishing families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, similar to the measures introduced in Northern Ireland.

That’s the view of Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh, who is concerned that that without financial support the future of small fishing businesses are under threat.

The Erris-based TD is calling for a similar initiative to the €1.5 million financial package for fishermen in the North to be set up here, to cover fixed costs and provide monthly payments based on vessel size.

Deputy Conway-Walsh told Midwest News that although some fishermen have availed of the covid-19 emergency payment, more remains to be done to support the industry here.