Fishing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Ceisteanna (1172)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

1172. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the percentage of EU fishing waters that were made up of Irish fishing waters around our coast prior to 1 January 2021, in tabular form; the percentage of EU fishing waters that are now, after Brexit, made up of Irish fishing waters around our coast; the effect this will have on our fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1562/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Ireland's percentage of the EU EEZ (excluding overseas territories) prior to the 1 January 2021 was 10%. It has now increased to 12%.

As the Deputy will be aware, Fisheries was one of the most difficult areas of the negotiations. Under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, EU fishing vessels will continue to have the current level of access to UK waters at least until 2026.