1 Noll 2014, 12:32
Minister Simon Coveney TD will appear before the Oireachtas Joint Committee Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Tuesday to consider Ireland’s approach to the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting. The December Council meeting traditionally agrees the annual fishing opportunities for the Community's fishing fleets.
1 December 2014
As part of the discussions, the Committee will engage with Minister Coveney on the latest Sea Fisheries Sustainability Assessment. The Programme for Government commits to an annual assessment based on consultation with all major stakeholders, before EU fisheries negotiations commence.
Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle TD says: “Our Committee has an important oversight role on the Government’s interaction with the European Union on policy related to agriculture and fisheries. Tomorrow afternoon, we will have an opportunity to hear from Minister Coveney on the likely opportunities and challenges for Ireland’s €700m fishing industry in the upcoming negotiations. As a Committee, we are acutely aware that securing the sustainability of stocks must be paramount, while at the same time ensuring that any reductions in Total Allowable Catches and quotas are only made where the scientific evidence clearly supports such moves. The Committee looks forward to engaging with the Minister on how to ensure the best possible outcome for Ireland's coastal communities in the negotiations.”
The meeting takes place tomorrow Tuesday 2 December in Committee Room 3, LH 2000 at 3:45 pm. Public proceedings can be viewed here.
View Committee Membership.
Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie