Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, Fianna Fáil’s Marine spokesperson has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to face down the Commission draft proposals to cut certain fish stocks.
The Donegal TD said it is essential for the fishing industry that these proposed cuts for cod, haddock, whiting herring and nephrops are reversed by the Council of Ministers when they meet this week in Brussels.
He said these proposed cuts being considered by the Council in conjunction with the already announced 20 % cut in the mackerel quota will cost jobs in our coastal communities.
He said “At present it is estimated that if these cuts will be introduced it will cost almost 300 jobs in our coastal communities – these figures are supplied by the sector – and as such the Government must pay heed to the warnings of the fishing industry.”
Pat the Cope added the Irish fishing sector is facing a combined €33 million cut in its Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2018 unless the Government can get an effective strategy to deal with these proposed cuts.
He added “This is going to have a devastating effect on our coastal communities and the disposal incomes of families which depend on the fishing sector for employment.
“I am urging the Minister to make a strong case to that The Hague principle applied in order to soften the impact on Ireland, and that he secondly demonstrate the massive socio economic impact these cuts will have on our fishing sector.
“In certain species the ICES advice is more accurate than the Commission’s recommendations and in such cases the Department must make a contrary agreement at the Council meeting.”
Pat the Cope said the Irish fishing sector is facing very uncertain times due to these cuts and the possible impacts of Brexit on future access to UK waters and a possible decrease of our agreed share of the quotas.
“It is imperative that the Minister intervention at this week’s Council of Ministers deals with the realities of the fishing sector at present, the impacts of these cuts and the future uncertainties.
“In fact the Taoiseach should intervene at a higher level in advance of these negotiations such is the potential impact to our fishing industry. The Minister must insure that he retains what is best for the Irish fishing industry in order that Irish industry can have a sustainable and viable future,” concluded Pat the Cope.
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