The Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, has met the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, to discuss the threats to the Irish fishing industry from a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
Michael Creed said that the meeting was constructive. "I made clear my view that a 'no deal’ Brexit poses serious challenges for the Irish Fishing industry and a co-ordinated EU response will be required," he said.
"Obviously, we all hope that the withdrawal agreement which EU negotiated with the UK government will be agreed and that we all avoid the uncertainty of a ‘no deal’ outcome," he added.
The European Commission has brought forward legislative proposals dealing with the possible use of temporary cessation measures, quota swapping with the UK and potential reciprocal access, which Mr Creed has welcomed.
"The commissioner has already brought forward a number of proposals, which I welcome, to deal with possible impacts arising from a disorderly Brexit, but more measures will be required. Commissioner Vella has a solid understanding of the scale of the potential problems facing the EU fishing industry and the Irish industry in particular," he said.
Mr Creed and Mr Vella discussed a number of issues that might arise from a disorderly Brexit including loss of access for Irish and other EU vessels to the UK fishing zone, protection of fish stocks in the waters around Ireland from a subsequent increase in fishing activity and potential mitigation measures at EU level.
