Gildernew meets Isle of Man Minister

Agriculture Minister Ms Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has met with her Isle of Man Ministerial counterpart Mr Phil Gawne MHK during a local visit.

Mr Phil Gawne MHK (Member of the House of Keys) is the Isle of Man Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Commenting on fisheries matters Ms Gildernew said: “I have noted with interest the Isle of Man’s innovative approach to scallop management, and agreed to explore the potential for co-operation and sharing of expertise in order to develop sustainable and profitable scallop fisheries.”

Ms Gildernew also took the opportunity to raise with Mr Gawne the Manx lobster permit scheme and the waiting list issue which is preventing some Northern Ireland vessels from accessing this fishery.

On economic matters, Ms Gildernew added that: “The direction of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform was also discussed and, in particular, the upcoming CAP ‘Health Check’ and the implications of the likely outcomes were considered in detail. One expected outcome from the CAP Health Check’ is a degree of simplification with respect to the Single Farm Payment scheme."

The Minister welcomed the opportunity of discussing the above with Mr Gawne and indicated that she hoped that his visit had provided him with an insight into fisheries and economic issues of common concern.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. A biography of Michelle Gildernew is available at: http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/about-dard/minister-michelle-gildernew.htm
2. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619.