Significant Damage to Irish Fishing Industry Projected By Government
N.B See Attached:
"Preliminary Analysis of Reduction of Fisheries Quota Shares under EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement", From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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Aontú Leader & Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has reacted with serious concern to the report by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the significant and long-lasting damage the Irish fishing industry is in for post-Brexit.
An Teachta Tóibín:
“The Irish fishing industry was the sacrificial lamb to protect European interests and give the Tories a victory in negotiations. The report published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine showcases the damage the Irish fishing industry will have to sustain by 2026 only. According to Departmental projections, Ireland’s coastal share of fish will shrink by at least 15% in the next 6 years. The mean reduction in fishing quota per EU Member State is 9.83% - Ireland’s reduction significantly surpasses that loss. In fact Ireland’s fishing industry is the joint highest loser with Germany.”
“The Irish government has completely failed to protect Irish interests. By the admission of both the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Irish fishermen would be disappointed by the deal. 34% of all fish caught by Irish fishermen were in British waters, due to the now negotiated trade deal, 25% of will have to be handed back to Britain. Notwithstanding, Ireland’s proximity to Britain and unique vulnerability to the ramifications of Brexit, Ireland received nowhere near the level of funding it should have from the Brexit buffer fund. In the EU Budget negotiations last year, we saw CAP and Pillar II funding cut despite that being a priority of the Irish government. There needs to be a marked improvement in the protection of Irish interests by the Irish government.”
