Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
1179. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Brexit has brought about changes in the Voisinage fishing arrangement that existed up to now between Ireland and Northern Ireland; the details of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1569/21]
View answerThe European Commission’s UK Task Force has advised that under the EU/UK Trade and Corporation Agreement the Voisinage arrangement, which allows Irish registered vessels access to 0-6nm zone in Northern Ireland and for NI vessels to fish in IRL 0-6nm zone, is valid.
The European Commission has further advised that because of the third country status of the UK (and NI), fishing in the Irish 0-6nm zone is now covered by the Sustainable Management of External Fishing Fleets Regulation (Regulation 2017/2403) and therefore NI vessels need to obtain an authorization in accordance with Article 34 of the SMEFF Regulation.
A response from the UK authorities is awaited in relation to the practical arrangements for Irish vessels to fish under the Voisinage arrangement and, in particular, if a UK authorisation is required.
