"Those Making the EU Fishing Regulations Haven't a Clue of Life on the Ground or on the Sea in Ireland" - Tóibín
The Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD has criticized what he described as "yet more draconian" fishing regulations from Europe.
Speaking today, Deputy Tóibín said: "EU proposals lately to install mandatory cameras and CTTV on fishing vessels to monitor catches and ensure no over-fishing represent yet another draconian measure being imposed from on high on Irish fishermen working in an already sinking industry. Aontú is calling on the Irish government to fight these proposals tooth and nail".
Deputy Tóibín continued: "Fishermen and women are already crippled under the cost of diesel and the low price they're getting for their produce, the restrictions on where they can fish and the absolutely bonkers requirements on weighing their catches twice, before bringing the fish up to the factory to be weighed again, and much more. This is not only a ridiculous and time-consuming requirement for those on the frontlines but it also poses a health hazard on warm days when the iceboxes have to be opened multiple times".
"This latest proposal about CCTV cameras really takes the biscuit. They're basically supplying a list of very strict bizarre rules and now saying they're going to put CCTV cameras on Irish fishers to make sure they obey the rules. If this was happening in any other industry it wouldn't be tolerated. The Irish government, and Irish MEPs need to stand up to this crap coming from Europe, and tell the boys in charge to cop on a small bit", concluded Tóibín.
