Speaking after the meeting the Minister said: “Today’s meeting with Commissioner Borg has been very useful, providing me with a fresh opportunity to remind him of the issues and difficulties facing our fishing fleet. I also thanked him for the welcome news about the Irish Sea prawn quota and the continuation of the Irish Sea Data Enhancement Project, however I have stressed the importance of fishing days at sea and haddock and herring quotas to our fleet.
“Commissioner Borg listened carefully to my concerns and I hope to build on this meeting when we begin serious negotiations next week. There is still a lot of work to be done, particularly given that the Commission wish to press ahead with further cod recovery measures. However the local fishing industry should be in no doubt, I will continue to fight our case at every given opportunity at next week’s Council.”
Notes to Editors:
- The December Fisheries Council will take place from 17 to 20 December in Brussels.
- All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
