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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., met today in Brussels with Fisheries Commissioner, Karmenu Vella, to discuss the threats to the Irish fishing industry from a ‘No deal’ Brexit.

Minister Creed said that “I had a very constructive meeting today with Commissioner Vella where we again discussed the exposure of the Irish fishing sector to the threats posed by a ‘no deal’ Brexit. I made clear my view that a ‘No Deal’ Brexit poses serious challenges for the Irish Fishing industry and a co-ordinated EU response will be required.  Obviously, we all hope that the Withdrawal Agreement which EU negotiated with the UK Government will be agreed and that we all avoid the uncertainty of a ‘No deal’ outcome.”

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, which Minster Creed has welcomed.

The Minister went on to say “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.  Commissioner Vella has a solid understanding of the scale of the potential problems facing the EU fishing industry and the Irish industry in particular.” 

Minster Creed and the Commissioner discussed a number of issues that might arise from a disorderly Brexit including 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.

The Minster concluded by saying that “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.”