Holly Cairns
Question:933. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the minutes and action points arising will be provided from his recent meeting with organisations (details supplied). [20132/20]
View answerThursday, 30 July 2020
Questions (933)
Written answers
On 22 July, I met with the fishing industry representatives from the catching, processing and inshore sectors from the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO), the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation (ISWFPO), the Irish South and East Fish Producers' Organisation (ISEFPO), the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation (IFPO), the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Assocation (IFPEA).
We had a detailed and informative meeting and I heard first-hand the industry representatives' concerns about the serious long-term issues their members would face in the event that the UK’s demands for a greater share of fish stocks and restricted access to UK fishing grounds were granted. The industry representatives also set out the challenges facing their members arising from the COVID-19 crisis, which has resulted in weaker markets for fish with reduced prices for many species.
I assured the industry representatives of my commitment, and that of the Government, to work towards a fisheries agreement with the UK that protects their interests and ensures a long term future for our coastal communities which depend on the fisheries sector. Regarding the challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis, the Government's clear intention is to provide supports that help to re-vitalise all areas of the economy including the seafood sector. I will be working across Government to devise measures to support jobs and communities over the coming period.
I look forward to working with the sector to deliver on the objective of the Programme for Government to build a sustainable fisheries sector.