Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
575. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the immediate contingency steps he will take to safeguard the interests of the Irish fishing sector following the decision by United Kingdom voters to leave the European Union in its recent referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19304/16]
View answer576. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the likely effect on the Common Fisheries Policy, and the effect this will have on total allowable catches and quotas, following the decision by United Kingdom voters to leave the European Union in its recent referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19305/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 576 together.
Negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK may not commence for some time yet, and will take a considerable amount of time to complete - at least 2 years and maybe longer.
With regard to the implications for the Common Fisheries Policy and the Irish fishing sector it is simply too early to be clear as to what might or might not change and what the implications for Ireland may be. The UK has not yet initiated the formal withdrawal process and may not do so for some time. In consequence, it is very unclear what changes the UK may seek to negotiate in the realm of fisheries.
Within my Department, I have ensured that my officials have been examining all potential implications across a range of very complex issues in fisheries. Unlike other sectors, when it comes to fish stocks, we share and exploit many of the same resources as the UK and must manage those resources within a coastal states framework – whatever the formal relationship. In addition, there are reciprocal access rights for Irish and Northern Irish vessels in each other's inshore waters that benefit both.
Since 1983, the fish stocks in the waters around both Ireland and the UK have been managed within the EU under the Common Fisheries Policy. That policy is a complicated construction and none of its interlinked elements can be considered separately, as different agreements have been made over many years of developing the policy.
These and all of the other issues in fisheries and all of the other agrifood sectors are being carefully examined by my Department. Specifically on fisheries, my Department has already held an information seminar with industry and other stakeholders. In addition, later this week I am convening a meeting of key sectoral representatives across all agri-food sectors, including fisheries. The purpose of this consultative committee will be to provide a consultative forum on issues arising from Brexit – many of which will be common to all sectors- as negotiations begin and develop.
From an Irish perspective I will be doing my utmost to ensure that any settlement does not come at a cost to Irelands' fishing communities and that our interests are fully protected within the EU. I hope that the EU and the UK act in concert as good neighbours to continue to protect the long term sustainability of our stocks, our fishing industries and the coastal communities dependant on them.
