Tense Negotiations Continuing at EU Fisheries Council Meeting

Marine Minister John Browne T.D., is involved in the second day of intense negotiations at the crucial end of year EU Fisheries Council in Brussels. The Minister stressed that the Irish delegation faced an uphill struggle to achieve a positive outcome for the Irish fishing industry. The December meeting of the Fisheries Council each year determines the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas available to the Irish fishing industry in 2007 and the conditions that will cover fishing activities over the year.

Speaking at a short break in the negotiations, Minister Browne commented that the Irish negotiation team face significant challenges over the next 24 hours. “The Commission have produced a number of proposals, including reductions in eighteen fish stocks of key interest to Ireland and cuts in the quotas available to Irish fishermen by up to 35%. Needless to say this could have serious negative consequences for the Irish fishing industry and our vulnerable coastal communities.”

The Hague Preferences, a historic commitment reached in 1976 reflecting the EU’s stated commitment to coastal communities, are also coming under concerted pressure from a number of member states. The abolition of the Hague Preferences could have serious consequences for the Irish fishing industry and their defence is a key objective for the Irish negotiating team.

“My priorities here today are to achieve a balance between protecting the livelihood of the almost 12,000 people involved in the Seafood sector in Ireland and ensuring that our stocks are fished in a sustainable manner that will guarantee the resource will be available to future generations,” continued Minister Browne.

Other key imperatives for Ireland include a change in the rules to give the coastal member a veto over research activities conducted by other member states’ commercial fishing fleets in their waters. The Minister is also pushing strongly for long term effective controls on the use of gill nets in deep waters.

“I am holding a series of bi-laterals with my counterparts across Europe as the day goes on and even deep into the night if that is what’s required. Throughout these meetings I will be keeping in close contact with the Industry representatives and I am determined not to give up until a fair deal is achieved for Ireland in these negotiations,” he concluded.

ENDS