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KFO welcomes Commission’s contingency proposals

1/23/2019

 
“Europe has listened to Irish fisheries concerns regarding ‘no-deal’ Brexit” - KFO
​The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has welcomed today’s European Commission's two legislative proposals to help mitigate the disastrous impact a “no-deal” Brexit could have on Irish fisheries, at least for 2019.

Seán O’Donoghue said while the reprieve is only temporary in nature, it is an important step to avoid catastrophe on the fishing grounds on March 30th next. Maintaining the status quo for 2019 in terms of access and quota share is to be welcomed. Nonetheless, he said he remains optimistic that a deal can be reached but it’s imperative that mitigation measures must be developed in the background lest an agreement not transpire as hoped. The sector sustains 14,500 jobs and is worth €1.15 billion to the Irish economy.

“In the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty, we have been working diligently to keep fisheries high on the agenda of the negotiators which has been a seismic job of work. I must acknowledge the key role played by the Irish Government, particularly the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Minister Michael Creed in tandem with EU Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier and their respective officials in listening and acting on the concerns of fishing industry.

“While we have made good progress to safeguard our members’ livelihoods in a post-Brexit trade deal scenario, it is crucial that we do not take our eye off the ball and continue to press Britain to maintain the current levels of reciprocal access to waters and markets, as well as sound science-based fisheries management.

“Ireland’s two biggest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops (40%) (or prawns) are hugely dependent on access to UK waters with the overall dependency for all stocks of over 30%. Maintaining reciprocal access to waters and resources need to be at the heart of the post-Brexit relationship in fisheries given the historic ties and inextricable links between our countries and industries.

Whereas fish are mobile and know no borders nor bear any nationality, our trawlers don’t have this luxury and must obey boundaries and exclusion zones. Our industry is standing on the edge of a precipice and everything that we have strived for and developed for generations is staring into the abyss albeit we have a temporary reprieve until the end of 2019. We must move might and main to avoid a ‘no-deal’ Brexit and the ramifications which this would have for our sector,” concluded Mr O’Donoghue.

Fishermen seek Brexit mitigation measures

1/17/2019

 

KFO remains hopeful that UK can reach Brexit deal

As the UK meanders chaotically out of the EU, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has called for a suite of mitigation measures for fisheries to be spelled out clearly by the Irish Government in the event of a hard Brexit, something which hasn’t been presented in any detail anywhere heretofore.
The producer organisation appealed to the Government to move might and main to ensure the best interests of a sector which sustains 14,500 jobs and is worth €1.15billion to the Irish economy, are vigorously protected.

KFO Chief Executive, Seán O’Donoghue stated: “It is high time that we had sight of a tangible plan which would chart the future direction of the Irish industry in the event of a hard Brexit. The importance of this is underlined by the fact that Ireland’s two biggest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops / prawns (40%) are massively dependent on access to UK waters with the overall percentage of stocks currently fished from UK waters by the Irish fleet standing at more than 30%. We cannot countenance a situation whereby this access might stop at 11pm on March 29th next due to a hard Brexit. The events of this week notwithstanding, we believe a deal can still be reached in London.

“Whereas fish are mobile and know no borders nor bear any nationality, our trawlers don’t have this luxury and must obey boundaries and exclusion zones. Our industry is standing on the edge of a precipice which is getting every closer with every passing day and everything that we have strived for and developed for generations is staring into the abyss.
“While we had been quite encouraged by the first tranche of documents delivered by the negotiating teams and subsequently approved by the UK cabinet in December, the lack of tangible progress since then, is most alarming. While the problem is very evident and has been since June 2016, we in fisheries, are now calling for real mitigation measures. The stakes are quite simply too high for this to be ignored any longer,” stated Mr O’Donoghue.

Concluding, Mr O’Donoghue said that there is still a majority in the UK Parliament against a no-deal situation and it is imperative that such a scenario is avoided.
The European Fisheries Alliance has this week, also called upon the European Commission and the Member States to prepare all necessary steps to mitigate the impact of such a situation on its fleets, communities and fisheries resources. It expressed hope that both sides are able and willing to turn their attention to developing and agreeing on a future and comprehensive bilateral fisheries and trade agreement on the basis of the agreement reached between EU and UK negotiators in November 2018.
​
The European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) was established less than two months after the British vote to protect the interests of fleets from national organisations in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. The alliance accounts for over 18,000 fishermen and 3,500 vessels with an annual turnover €20.7 billion.

‘No-deal Brexit’ would be unmitigated disaster for Irish fisheries

12/20/2018

 

​KFO extremely concerned at consequences of potential Hard Brexit  
​

Following publication of the Irish Government’s ‘contingency action plan’ for a no-deal Brexit, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) has warned that the ramifications of such an outcome in March next would be apocalyptic for the Irish industry.
KFO Chief Executive, Seán O’Donoghue stated: “Ireland’s two biggest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops / prawns (40%) are massively dependent on access to UK waters with the overall percentage of stocks currently fished from UK waters by the Irish fleet standing at more than 30%. We cannot countenance a situation whereby this access might stop at 11pm on March 29th next due to a hard Brexit.
“Whereas fish are mobile and know no borders nor bear any nationality, our trawlers don’t have this luxury and must obey boundaries and exclusion zones. Our industry is standing on the edge of a precipice and everything that we have strived for and developed for generations is staring into the abyss. Page 53 of the Government’s contingency plan states that ‘A critical issue for the fisheries sector in Ireland, and a number of other EU Member States, is the maintenance of reciprocal access to fisheries waters and resources.’
“While we had been quite encouraged by the first tranche of documents delivered by the negotiating teams and subsequently approved by the UK cabinet last month, we are now very concerned in light of more recent developments – or lack of developments - in the UK that there is a real possibility of a hard Brexit. We are talking about a €1.15 billion Irish seafood sector which sustains 14,500 jobs here,” concluded Mr O’Donoghue.
Only this week, the European Council of Fisheries Ministers, in reaching agreement for the 2019 fishing opportunities, made a clear and unequivocal statement that TAC and quota arrangements apply for the entire 2019 calendar year, irrespective of what happens with Brexit. However should Britain’s House of Commons fail to agree a deal, all this is rendered null and void.
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
(087) 4196535

KFO welcomes 30% increase in whitefish quotas for North West fishermen

12/18/2018

 
Workable solution found for ‘Landing Obligation’  
​
The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has acknowledged the outcome of the Council of Fisheries Ministers, which finished early this morning, as generally positive in the circumstances with a workable solution adopted to the landing obligation thus avoiding the potential for early closures of a large number of fisheries. However, its CEO, Seán O’Donoghue said it again underlines the imperative to have guarantees around fisheries honoured with Brexit continuing to cause major turbulence in the industry.
Achieving an overall increase of 30% in whitefish quota, including Rockall Haddock (+92%), and monkfish (25 %) in for the North West will provide improved fishing opportunities for whitefish fishermen in Donegal. There are also significant increases in Haddock (+20%) Cod (+16%) and sole 394% in the Irish Sea and Haddock (+20%), Hake (+28%) and Megrims (+47%) in the Celtic Sea. Mr O’Donoghue welcomed these as “very significant wins and reflects the importance of the industry working towards an overall sustainable outcome for the sector.”
Commenting at the conclusion of the Council in Brussels this morning, Mr O’Donoghue said: “These were without doubt the most challenging negotiations which Irish fisheries have ever faced, since a hard Brexit potentially throws everything we have agreed into disarray. Of major concern to the KFO and the wider industry, was the landing obligation which will enter its final phase on the 1st January 2019 when all species subject to TACs and quotas become subject to Article 15 of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Implementation of the landing obligation, as laid out in the Commission’s proposals, would have had large negative consequences for Ireland’s whitefish and pelagic sectors as the “choke species” factor could have triggered the closure of most fisheries in the early months of 2019. The prospect of “choke species” paralysing the Irish fishing industry was a very credible threat with knock-on effects for a vast array of sustainable fisheries, hitherto able to function normally, being caught in the slip-stream. I am glad to say the Council has adopted a workable solution to the “choke” situation with the allocation of by catch quotas to the Member States for the five stocks where a zero TAC was set.
“In terms of pelagic quota, there are increases in western horse mackerel 18% and Atlanto Scandia herring 35%. It was not all good news as there is a 20% reduction in mackerel which we knew in advance of Council as it was agreed by EU/Norway/ Faroes at the end of last month. Unfortunately, this 20% reduction is based on what I firmly believe is erroneous scientific advice. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advice stated this fishery had been declining since 2011 which is contrary to the entire fishing industry view. This is yet another major mistake in the mackerel advice not to mention the mistakes made last year and again this year on Atlanto Scandia herring. I am very concerned that ICES does not have a fit-for-purpose quality assurance system in place. This must be addressed as matter of urgency. There have been far too many mistakes over the last number of years and it is undermining confidence in the scientific advice. At least, ICES has now agreed to carry out a re-evaluation of the mackerel advice in early 2019,” said Mr O’Donoghue.
“The reduction of 32 % in nephrops in area VII is large but is partly mitigated somewhat by the exemption from the landing obligation. Taking this into account the reduction is in line with scientific advice of 17%.
“I would like to recognise the role and commitment of Minister Creed and his officials in working closely with us, taking on board our concerns and delivering a sustainable and economically viable package of measures for 2019,” concluded Mr O’Donoghue.
 
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O'Donoghue
087 4196535

Brexit uncertainty casts dark shadow over Quota Negotiations for Irish fisheries

12/16/2018

 
Full implementation of landing obligation major issue for Fisheries Council

The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) has expressed his concern ahead of the annual meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers that a sector already reeling from the chaos surrounding Brexit could now face further serious challenges and potential hardship. The negotiations to set Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for 2019 take place in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday next (December 17th and 18th). The all-too-real possibility of a hard Brexit and the potential subsequent implications for fisheries after March 29th, 2019 has cast a very dark shadow over these Fisheries Council quota negotiations.
Guarantees for 2019
KFO Chief Executive, Seán O’Donoghue commented: “While we had been quite encouraged by the first tranche of documents delivered by the negotiating teams and subsequently approved by the UK cabinet, we are now very concerned in light of developments in the UK that there is a real possibility of a hard Brexit after March 29th.  It is crucial that the Council, in reaching agreement for the 2019 fishing opportunities make a clear and unequivocal statement that these arrangements apply for the entire 2019 calendar year, irrespective of what happens with Brexit.
“Ireland’s two biggest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops / prawns (40%) are hugely dependent on access to UK waters with the overall dependency for all stocks of over 30%. We cannot countenance a situation whereby this access might stop on 30th March 2019 due to a hard Brexit. It is incumbent on Council to ensure that this will not happen and I am calling on Minister Creed to make this a priority during the negotiations. For us, the crucial issue remains that the linkage between access and resources to the wider trade issue be at the heart of a post Brexit arrangements for Irish fisheries sector thereby delivering an outcome which is acceptable to us.”
Landing Obligation
Of major concern to the KFO and the wider industry, is the landing obligation which will enter its final phase in 2019 when all species subject to TACs and quotas become subject to Article 15 of the Common Fisheries Policy. The prospect of “choke species” paralysing the Irish fishing industry is a very credible threat with knock-on effects for a vast array of sustainable fisheries, hitherto able to function normally, being caught in the slip-stream.
Mr O’Donoghue continued: “Implementation of the landing obligation, as laid out in the Commission’s proposals, will have large negative consequences for Ireland’s whitefish and pelagic sectors as the “choke species” factor could trigger closure of most fisheries in the early months of 2019. There is a significant risk of such closures extending to valuable pelagic fisheries due the whitefish by-catches. It is not acceptable or economically sustainable for entire sectors of these fleets to tie-up for such long periods and would have disastrous knock-on effects for the processing industry, markets at home and abroad as well as peripheral fishing communities. The solution on the table at the moment of unallocated by-catch TACs will only lead to “Olympic fishing” and the early closures of sustainable fisheries.”
Proposed cuts to key stocks
Nephrops in area 7 is the second most important economic species after mackerel for Ireland. The Commission’s proposal is for a 32% reduction which is significantly more than the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advice. It takes no account of differential percentage uptake by the Member States or the socio-economic implications of such a huge reduction. Furthermore, the separate TAC on Porcupine nephrops should be removed as this stock unit is in a healthy state.
Just last month, the EU, Norway and Faroes signed a tripartite agreement setting the TAC for mackerel for 2019 at 653,438 tonnes - a 20% reduction on this year’s TAC. While the KFO was disappointed, it wasn’t surprised at the outcome given that the scientific advice issued at the end of September was recommending a much larger reduction of 61%.
Mackerel and ICES
Regarding the mackerel outcome, Mr O’Donoghue said “I am confident the scientific advice is incorrect and that there still is a very healthy mackerel stock in the North East Atlantic contrary to the ICES advice which states it has been declining since 2011. This is yet another major mistake in the mackerel advice not to mention the mistakes made last year and again this year on Atlanto Scandia herring. I am very concerned that ICES does not have a fit-for-purpose quality assurance system in place. This must be addressed as matter of urgency. There have been far too many mistakes over the last number of years and it is undermining confidence in the scientific advice. At least, ICES has now agreed to carry out a re-evaluation of the mackerel advice in early 2019.”
The KFO expects, as in previous years, after the usual battles - particularly with the newly proposed by-catches where a zero TAC has been set - with other Member States that ‘The Hague Preferences’ which see Ireland and the UK getting elevated quotas for a number of key species when reductions are proposed - will be delivered. The loss of these allocations in 2019 would amount to 1,222 tonnes of fish with a direct value of €2.4 million.
The KFO will be meeting Minister Creed and his advisers in Brussels ahead of the talks and indeed, on a regular basis during the Fisheries Council negotiations to support his endeavours to deliver the best deal possible in terms of sustainable and economically viable fishing opportunities for Ireland for 2019.
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
(087) 4196535

EU, Norway and Faroes agree 20% cut in mackerel for 2019           KFO highly critical of scientific advice provided

11/29/2018

 
​The EU, Norway and Faroes have today signed a tripartite agreement in Bergen, Norway setting the TAC for mackerel for 2019 at 653,438 tonnes a 20% reduction on this year’s TAC. The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) is very disappointed, but not surprised, at the outcome given that the scientific advice issued at the end of September was recommending a much larger reduction of 61%. The KFO is highly critical of the scientific advice which is not only calling for massive 61% reduction but is also stating that the stock is in decline since 2011. One positive outcome from the agreement is that the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has agreed to carry out a re-evaluation of the mackerel advice in early 2019.
Reacting on the conclusion of discussions in Bergen, KFO CEO, Seán O’Donoghue commented:
“I am obviously very disappointed with the reduction but under the circumstances given the large reduction of 61 % advised by ICES, the hands of the three parties were tied into a reduction. ~At least, they decided on a common-sense approach to take the reduction over a two year period. I am very confident the second part of reduction will not be required as the scientific advice is not correct. I look forward to the outcome of re-evaluation by ICES in early 2019 which I expect will confirm the industry view that there is a still a very healthy mackerel stock in the North East Atlantic. This has been evidenced, not only by the Irish pelagic fleet but also all other pelagic fleets which have encountered large shoals of mackerel over the entire distribution area. Based upon these observations, we believe the stock size has greatly increased. This increase in the stock size is not confined to one area, nor observed by only one fleet. This is contrary to ICES stated view that the stock is declining since 2011.”
He added: “This is yet another major mistake in the mackerel advice not to mention the mistakes made last year and again this year on Atlanto Scandia herring. I am very concerned that ICES does not have a fit-for-purpose quality assurance system in place. This must be addressed as matter of urgency. There have been far too many mistakes over the last number of years and it is undermining confidence in the scientific advice.”
He concluded: “This is the final year of the 2014 Three Parties Agreement (EU, Norway and Faroes) and the three parties have agreed to extend the agreement for a further two years.”
 
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
087 419 6535

Fisheries sector encouraged by latest UK-EU declaration

11/22/2018

 
Brexit declaration specifically references fishing industry

​The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has welcomed today’s Brexit declaration as having achieved specific acknowledgment and reference to the crucial issue of the linkage between access and quotas to the wider trade issue.
Responding to the 36-page draft text, which is part of a package alongside the legal treaty on Britain's withdrawal from the EU, KFO CEO, Seán O’Donoghue said: “I have always maintained that the key to a successful fisheries outcome is linking access and quota share to the wider trade negotiations”.
Paragraph 75 of the text states: “Within the context of the overall economic partnership the Parties should establish a new fisheries agreement on, inter alia, access to waters and quota shares.” A new EU-UK agreement on fisheries would form part of the overall new relationship between the two. The sides aim to "conclude and ratify their new fisheries agreement by 1 July 2020".
Building on the momentum of last week’s publication of the draft withdrawal agreement and outline political declaration, the Irish fishing industry is currently relatively well-placed to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit.
“While we are quite encouraged by the documents we have seen to date, I said last week that strong foundations have now been laid, we cannot afford to take our eye off the ball. We’ve begun well but we’re not even at half-time yet. We know only too well from experience that fisheries negotiations are multi-faceted and highly complex and much remains to be agreed.
“We firmly believe that the future framework for fisheries, after the transition period, needs to maintain the current levels of reciprocal access to waters and markets, as well as sound science-based fisheries management. The text presented to date takes the first steps to deliver on this and we look forward to productive negotiations in the near future.
“Ireland’s two biggest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops (40%) (or prawns) are hugely dependent on access to UK waters with the overall dependency for all stocks of over 30%. Maintaining reciprocal access to waters and resources need to be at the heart of the post-Brexit relationship in fisheries given the historic ties and inextricable links between our countries and industries,” stated Mr O’Donoghue.
He paid tribute to the effectiveness of the united approach taken by the European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) which was established less than two months after the British vote to protect the interests of fleets from national organisations in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. The alliance accounts for over 18,000 fishermen and 3,500 vessels with an annual turnover €20.7 billion.
Mr O’Donoghue concluded by acknowledging that in terms of fisheries, these high-stakes negotiations have been very efficiently managed by the Irish Government to date, particularly the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Minister Michael Creed in tandem with EU Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier and their respective officials.
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
087 419 6535

Positive early signs for Irish fisheries as British cabinet backs Brexit text

11/15/2018

 
Industry well placed to avoid a disastrous Brexit but a long way to go to deliver final agreement

The Irish fishing is well placed to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit with the publication of the draft withdrawal agreement and outline political declaration. The CEO of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Seán O’Donoghue has welcomed the drafts as a positive first step.
Both the draft withdrawal agreement, which seals the terms under which Britain will exit the EU, as well as the outline political declaration reflect the key concerns articulated by the Irish fishing industry in the course of the marathon 29 month negotiations.
“We are quite encouraged by the text of both documents and recognise what is the culmination of a seismic job of work. In respect of fisheries, these high-stakes negotiations were very efficiently managed by the Irish Government, particularly the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Minister Michael Creed in tandem with EU Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier and their respective officials.
“Having fisheries referenced specifically in the draft withdrawal agreement – and maintaining the link to the wider trade sector in the political declaration - is a key ask from our perspective. We welcome progress made yesterday on the Brexit withdrawal agreement. This is a significant first step in defining our relations with an important neighbour and we hope that this constructive spirit will carry on into the next phase of negotiations.
“While strong foundations have now been laid, the construction of the building comes next and this will require the same level of focus, determination and concerted endeavour on the part of all relevant stakeholders to ensure an edifice that is fit-for-purpose. We know only too well from experience that fisheries negotiations are multi-faceted and highly complex and much remains to be agreed.
“We firmly believe that the future framework for fisheries, after the transition period, needs to maintain the current levels of reciprocal access to waters and markets, as well as sound science-based fisheries management. The text presented on the table takes the first steps to deliver on this and we look forward to productive negotiations in the near future.
“Yesterday the Taoiseach reiterated remarks he made previously relating to the Irish fisheries sector which we have always agreed with. Aside from recognising the importance of access to UK waters, he commented on the importance of the UK selling its fish to the EU. He also stated: ‘The UK will want other things as well, for example, with regard to financial services. All these matters are interlinked and will be part of the future relationship and while the UK might have a strong hand when it comes to fisheries we have a strong hand when it comes to services and other matters too.’”
Ireland’s two biggest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops (40%) (or prawns) are hugely dependent on access to UK waters with the overall dependency for all stocks of over 30%. Maintaining reciprocal access to waters and resources need to be at the heart of the post-Brexit relationship in fisheries given the historic ties and inextricable links between our countries and industries.
Mr O’Donoghue concluded by acknowledging the effectiveness of the united approach taken by the European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) which was established less than two months after the British vote to protect the interests of fleets from national organisations in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. The alliance accounts for over 18,000 fishermen and 3,500 vessels with an annual turnover €20.7 billion.
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
087 419 6535

KFO pays tribute to industry stalwart

6/4/2018

 
CEO saddened at passing of ‘recognisable face’ of fisheries
​
The CEO of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has paid tribute to his predecessor describing the late Joey Murrin as a man who had an innate and forensic knowledge of the fishing industry and an ability of conveying very complex issues in simple understandable terms for a general audience.

 
Expressing deepest sympathy on the part of the KFO, Seán O’Donoghue remarked:
 
“Joey Murrin was a giant of the Irish fisheries sector. He was a founding member of the KFO and before that with the Killybegs Fishermen’s Association, served as CEO of the KFO for more than 22 years. In that time, he left a very healthy legacy in fighting the corner of the sector on a local, regional, national and European platform using every opportunity to improve the lot of his members and the wider industry. He also served as Board member and Chairman of BIM and as a Board member of the Marine Institute as well as on numerous Governments committees and task forces.
 
“His passing leaves a great void but he can genuinely be proud of what he achieved and his understanding of the challenges facing the sector was deep-rooted and could be matched by few, if any. He was widely known and for many years was recognisable face of the Irish Fishing Industry.
 
“Born and bred in Killybegs, fishing was in his DNA and when I began in this role succeeding Joey in the year 2000, he was a tremendous source of good counsel and sage advice.
 
“His loss will be sorely felt and I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to his wife, Betty, his children Eilish, Malachy, Edel, Joseph and Alan but we are all the better for having had the benefit of his sharp intellect, irrepressible drive and far-reaching vision. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.”
 
ENDS
 
Further information:
 
Seán O’Donoghue
087 419 6535

Taoiseach commits unfettered Government support to Irish fisheries in face of Brexit

4/19/2018

 
Picture
​Industry stakeholders along with An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste, Simon Coveney and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed ahead of this afternoon’s meeting to discuss the issues posed by Brexit for Irish fisheries.

Producer organisations welcome unequivocal support of Irish Government

The Irish fishing industry must be supported in each and every way possible to ensure the continued inclusion of fisheries as part of trade negotiations, no reduction in our share, the retention of access to UK waters and that the status quo is ultimately maintained post-Brexit.
That was the forceful message from An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar following a meeting with the Irish fish producer organisations, namely the KFO, the IFPO and the ISEFPO as well as processors this afternoon, which was also attended by An Tánaiste, Simon Coveney and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed.

CEO of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Seán O’Donoghue responded:
“Irish fishermen are extremely anxious that the legal text of any Brexit agreement must reflect their demands. Today’s clear commitment from the Irish Government to the industry is most encouraging and another big step forward on a long, turbulent and uncertain road which happened upon us on June 23rd, 2016. This was a historic meeting in many ways, a first for our organisations to meet with Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Agriculture Minister simultaneously. We couldn’t have asked for more by way of Government attentiveness and support.
“It is imperative now that we all unite to ensure no slippage in terms of this political support and to provide the certainty that more than 14,500 people working in the €1.15billion Irish seafood sector, require and deserve. Maintaining reciprocal access to waters and resources as agreed in the guidelines should be at the heart of the post-Brexit relationship in fisheries given the historic ties and inextricable links between our countries and industries.”
ENDS
Further information:

Seán O’Donoghue
087 419 6535


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