Bríd Smith
Question:62. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consequences for Ireland's fishing industry and those who depend on it in view of the British exit from the EU. [21263/16]
View answerWednesday, 13 July 2016
Questions (62)
Written answers
In my response in relation to contingency planning, I mentioned that the negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK may not commence for some time yet, and are also likely to take a long time to complete. This in turn affects the question of what the likely consequences will be for the Irish fishing sector and for the Common Fisheries Policy. I think 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.
In the meantime, it is important that we are as prepared as we can be for all eventualities. I mentioned earlier 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 others 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 are being carefully examined by my Department in the context of the contingency planning that has already taken place and will continue over the coming period in respect of the entire agrifood sector. Specifically on fisheries, my Department has already held an information seminar with industry and other stakeholders. In addition, last week I convened a meeting of key sectorial representatives across all agrifood 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 would simply repeat that I will be doing my utmost to ensure that any settlement does not come at a cost to Ireland’s 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.