John Browne T.D., Irish Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine Natural Resources, on 24 November, welcomed the news that the country''s four main fishermen''s representative groups are to unify under the banner of the new Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF).
Commenting on the announcement Minister Browne stressed the importance of the new organisation "I have always consistently urged fishermen that their interests would be best served by speaking with one unified voice for the industry. This unity will help them not only in dealings with the Irish Government but perhaps more importantly when it comes to dealing with the myriad of issues that arise at a European level on fisheries."
"I intend to work closely with the new federation in the coming weeks as we approach the publication of the Government's strategy review of the seafood industry and as we prepare for the December European Council meeting on fisheries. Finally I would like to wish Lorcán Ó Cinnéide, the chair of the new federation, the best of luck in his new role and I am sure that he will continue to strive to do his utmost to represent Irish fishermen at home and abroad," concluded Minister Browne.
