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Brexit Negotiations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Questions (52)

Michael Collins

Question:

52. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of fishermen in Brexit negotiations; if provisions are being put in place to regain Irish waters following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3860/18]

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Written answers

As I have stated before, fisheries is, and will remain, a high priority for Ireland in the Brexit negotiations.  I am determined to ensure that fisheries remain high on the Brexit agenda in the EU and that the interests of Ireland's fishing communities are fully protected.

In recent months, I have continued to have positive, regular meetings with my European colleagues, especially those from the group of 8 member states whose fisheries are most impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. 

I am confident that we are all in agreement when it comes to our collective determination to ensure that our existing rights and entitlements are fully protected into the future.

My engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in close collaboration with the Tánaiste, has also intensified as we begin discussions on the possible transition phase and the future overall relationship between the EU27 and the United Kingdom.

My continued objective is to ensure that the implications for fisheries are fully taken account of in the establishment of the framework for a future EU-UK relationship. Ireland’s key asks in this regard will be maintenance of current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and protection of Ireland’s existing quota shares.

I am glad to say that the Commission has concurred with our viewpoint that fisheries arrangements must be an integral part of the overall future relationship agreement.  They also accept the key point that fisheries is a zero sum game and that any gain for the UK would mean a loss for Ireland and the rest of the EU.

I am also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues.  

In conclusion, I would like to assure the Deputy that, working together with the Barnier Task Force, I aim to ensure that fisheries are inextricably linked to overall future relationship negotiations and that all of our existing access rights and quota entitlements are fully protected.

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