Brexit Negotiations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Ceisteanna (76)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

76. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the status quo in terms of fisheries, that is, access, percentage share of stocks and the trade aspects will fully apply during the transition arrangement in view of the guidelines published by the EU member states in the week of 29 January 2018 regarding the transition arrangements between the European Union and the United Kingdom; if fisheries and the wider trade are directly linked to phase two of the talks; if the linkage for the talks will be guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6758/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I very much welcome the EU position that the whole of the EU acquis will apply during any transition, which means that the status quo for fisheries and all other sectors will be preserved. This will ensure that we avoid any gaps or cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and the entry into force of a future relationship agreement .

While I cannot guarantee what the final outcome of the upcoming negotiations will be, I can assure you of my close engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in collaboration with the Tánaiste, on both 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 priorities in this regard will be to maintain the current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and the 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 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 have held positive, regular meetings with my European colleagues in recent months, especially those from the group of 8 member states whose fisheries are most impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from 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.

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.

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.