Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2024
318. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will immediately engage with the producer organisations representing the Irish fishing industry to discuss their concerns about the recent agreement on north-east Atlantic mackerel fishing between the UK, Norway and the Faroe Islands; and if he will then act on those concerns at European level. [26998/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that my Department constantly monitors the needs of the fisheries sector and I regularly meet with the recognised industry representative groups to discuss concerns and priorities, as well as developments at national and EU level.
I will be meeting with industry representatives, including Producers Organisations, National Inshore Fisheries Forum and the Co-Ops on Tuesday 25th June to discuss the ongoing consultations on new sharing arrangements for Coastal State stocks as well as potential negotiations between the EU and Third Countries.
I am cognisant of the concerns of industry regarding recent developments at Coastal State level and look forward to hearing their views on this matter.
I will continue to ensure that Ireland's best interests are pursued in the forthcoming negotiations on fishing opportunities for 2025.
