email editor
Colm Markey with the IFPEA’s Brendan Bryne and Patrick Murphy from the ISWFPO ahead of the EU-Norway talks on a fisheries agreement for 2023
Fine Gael’s Colm Markey has said Ireland must ‘hold the line’ as discussions resume today (Wednesday 11 January) between the EU and Norway on a fisheries agreement.
The Midlands-North-West MEP made the comments after meeting with the Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association and The Irish South and West Fish Producer’s Organisation in Brussels on Tuesday night (10 January).
“Once again Ireland needs to stand firm and hold the line during these discussions” commented Markey, a member of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee (PECH).
“Blue whiting is a critical fish stock for the future development of the Irish fishing industry and we simply can’t give it away without a proper reciprocal arrangement such as a permanent quota swap.
“Any deal must be to the benefit of Ireland as the only EU country impacted. We were the biggest losers out of Brexit and we can’t afford to let the same thing happen again.”
He concluded, “I have spoken to the Commission and arranged delegation visits to Brussels over the past number of months to push Ireland’s case and support is growing. We need to keep up the momentum and ensure that our voice is heard during these talks. This could be our only chance to avoid another disaster for the Irish fishing industry.”