Mayo MEP reiterates call for establishment of Minister of State for Fisheries

AS representatives from the Irish fishing industry meet with MEPs in Brussels today, MEP Maria Walsh has doubled down on calls for the establishment of a new Minister of State with specific responsibility for fisheries and the marine.

Ms. Walsh met with the Seafood Ireland alliance today to discuss the challenges facing the Irish fishing industry. This follows on from a recent meeting between MEP Walsh and the new Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, where she brought the concerns of the sector to his attention.

Said Ms. Walsh: “Ireland is the fishbowl of Europe - yet many trawlers lie idle in harbours along the Irish coast for 11 months of the year. As we heard today, both the government and the EU have a shared responsibility to bring this industry back from the brink.

“The alarm bells are ringing loud and clear; the Irish fishing industry is facing a slow and painful death. If Ireland and the EU fail to take collective action we could be facing widespread business closures alongside the permanent departure of fishermen and women from the industry.”

She continued: “With leaders from the Irish fishing industry in Brussels today, I am happy to have been able to secure a meeting for the representatives with Commissioner-designate Costas Kadis. This face-time ensures the incoming Commissioner hears of the challenges directly from those on the ground.

“The issues facing the sector boil down to one core issue; Ireland’s fishing quotas. Brexit compounded an already growing problem with the industry losing 15% of its quota overnight as part of the EU-UK’s Brexit deal.

“As we edge closer to a general election, I reiterate my calls for the creation of a Minister of State with specific responsibility for fisheries and marine within the next government.

“Year after year, the fishing industry has been disappointed with the outcome of EU quota negotiations. The situation as it currently stands is not working, and we need a minister dedicated to securing a result for the Irish fishing industry that rights the wrongs of the past.

“We also need to see a reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, in particular the quota sharing arrangements, as well as targeted support for the fish processing sector. I look forward to continuing my work on this issue as a member of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.”