Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1594. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has assessed the impact of Brexit on the fishing industry if British territorial waters are no longer part of the Common Fisheries Policy; if contingency planning has been completed regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26549/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt this stage it is impossible to say with certainty what effect Brexit will have on the Irish fishing industry. We don't yet know what changes the UK Government may seek to the current arrangements. I am, however, clear that our objective is to maintain our current access to fishing grounds in UK waters in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and, to protect Ireland’s current quota shares.
Earlier this year, I hosted a dedicated Civic Dialogue on the potential impacts of Brexit for the seafood sector as 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.
As part of this work, my Department is holding a further Brexit discussion with stakeholders at the National Seafood Conference in Galway at the end of this month. This will include presentations from the Chairs of the North Western Waters Advisory Council and the North Sea Advisory Council respectively. These Councils represent industry and NGO stakeholders from all of the EU Member States with fishing interests in the UK zone. Representatives from the Irish fishing industry will also participate.
During the recent visit of Chief Brexit Negotiator, Mr. Michel Barnier to Ireland, I met with him and discussed the issues arising for the agri-food 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 the potential significance of Brexit for Ireland's fisheries sector. Mr Barnier agreed with me that fisheries negotiations must be inextricably linked to the wider trade negotiations.
I also made clear that transitional arrangements are likely to be important for the seafood sector.
In conclusion, I will be working to ensure that fisheries remains high on the Brexit agenda in the EU and that we obtain the best possible outcome from the negotiations. I would like to assure the Deputy that I will be unequivocal in opposing any dilution of our existing EU quota shares and, any limitations on our existing rights of access.
