Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
515. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that Ireland's fish quotas are fairly reallocated for 2026 at the December Fisheries Council meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71161/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe majority of Ireland's commercial fish stocks are shared between the EU and Third Countries, such as the UK.
The European Commission has exclusive competency to negotiate fishery agreements with Third Countries on behalf of EU Member States. The Commission operates under a mandate set by Council and any agreement is formally adopted by Council. Ireland inputs into the development of this mandate and throughout the negotiation process, in order to raise our concerns and priorities.
The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, on the basis of a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The Hague Preferences give Ireland an increased share of important fish stocks when TAC levels reduce below a specified level.
Any change to the existing system of quota allocations would require a majority of Member States to agree under the qualified majority voting system. As an increase in quota for some Member States would involve a loss for some others, this poses particular challenges in a qualified majority voting context.
Ireland has consistently called for the European Commission to fully analyse and report on the impacts of Brexit on the CFP, and in particular, the impact on the EU and Member States’ fishing opportunities as a result of quota transfers under the EU-UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement.
I addressed the matter of Ireland's fishing opportunities at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in September, October and November, in particular, the concerns regarding the reduction in the scientific advice for Mackerel.
At the November Council meeting, I also confirmed of Ireland’s intention to invoke the Hague Preferences at the appropriate time. However, we cannot take the Hague Preferences for granted. Many Member States object strenuously to their application as the additional quota for Ireland comes off their allocations. These objections are intensifying in the face of quota reductions in other Member States arising from both the quota transfers under the EU-UK Trade & Co-operation Agreement and reductions due to scientific advice.
Ensuring that the Preferences are applied will be a key political objective for me at the December Council negotiations. I will continue to engage intensively with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and other Member States to raise issues of importance for Ireland and to reach an outcome that ensures the sustainability of the stocks and a level playing field for our fleet.
