Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 May 2017
232. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to protect fishing interests at upcoming Brexit negotiations if the British Government leaves the Common Fisheries Policy and the London Fisheries Convention of 1964 in view of the large percentage of landings made from the UK exclusive economic zone. [25165/17]
View answerAt this stage it is impossible to say with certainty what effect Brexit will have on the Irish fishing industry. We don't know yet what changes the UK may seek to the current arrangements.
In theory, the UK could indeed restrict access to their waters and or seek to gain larger quota shares at the expense of others. However, that could only happen if the UK was content to ignore the potential repercussions that would certainly arise from the EU side.
On average, 35% of Irish landings are currently taken from UK waters. However, for some of our most important stocks the figures are even higher.
Limitations on access and, more worryingly, any attempt by the UK to increase its current quota share at the expense of Ireland and others must, and will be, resisted strenuously. These twin threats, could also lead to increased activity by other EU vessels in the waters around Ireland threatening the long term sustainability of our stocks.
Earlier this year, I hosted a dedicated Civic Dialogue on the potential impacts of Brexit for the seafood sector as a whole. This was very well attended by stakeholders from across the industry and gave a clear insight into the real dangers that a 'hard' Brexit presents for our fishing communities.
I will remain in close contact with fisheries stakeholders as the issues develop and work with them and my fellow fisheries Ministers in the EU to ensure that we are all fully prepared for what are likely to be extremely complex negotiations.
I am also continuing to work closely with all of my European colleagues to ensure that fisheries remain a top priority in the negotiations to come.
As both I and An Taoiseach have stated before, we intend to ensure that fisheries remains high on the Brexit agenda in the EU and that Ireland obtains the best possible outcome from the negotiations. Last week (11 May), as part of Chief Brexit Negotiator, Mr Michel Barnier's visit to Ireland, I met him and discussed the issues arising for the agrifood sector. On fisheries, I explained Ireland's perspective and that it was shared by a number of EU partners. I am satisfied that Mr Barnier understands the issues and significance of BREXIT for Ireland's fisheries sector. He supports my view that fisheries negotiations must be progressed in the context of trade and will fall into the second phase of negotiations. I also made clear that transitional arrangements are likely to be important for the seafood sector.
In conclusion, I would like to assure the Deputy that I will be unequivocal in opposing any dilution of our existing EU quota shares, including protecting the benefit to Ireland of the Hague Preferences, and any limitations on our existing rights of access.
