The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, met in Brussels with Fisheries Commissioner, Karmenu Vella, to discuss the threats to the Irish fishing industry from a ‘No deal’ Brexit.
The Minister spoke to Commissioner Vella about the serious challenges a no deal Brexit poses for the Irish Fishing industry, and that a co-ordinated EU response will be required.
Good, But More Required
“The Commissioner has already brought forward a number of proposals, which I welcome, to deal with possible impacts arising from a disorderly Brexit, but more measures will be required,” Minister Creed said.
“Commissioner Vella has a solid understanding of the scale of the potential problems facing the EU fishing industry and the Irish industry in particular.”
According to the Department of Agriculture, the Commission has brought forward legislative proposals dealing with the possible use of temporary cessation measures, quota swapping with the UK, and potential reciprocal access.
Creed also raised concerns over a potential loss of access for Irish and other EU vessels to the UK fishing zone, protection of fish stocks in the waters around Ireland from a subsequent increase in fishing activity and potential mitigation measures at EU level.
“It is imperative that the Commission continue its leading role in ensuring that there will be a coordinated EU response to ensure the ongoing viability of our fleets and the long term sustainability of the stocks upon which they rely,” the Minister concluded.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
