Brexit threat to fishing
Deputy Murphy O'Mahony warned that no-deal Brexit could severely damage the fishing industry and asked about mitigation funding. The Taoiseach agreed the threat was serious and said the EU is proposing temporary continuity of current arrangements, though the UK stance remains uncertain.
The fishing industry is of major importance to the economy of Cork South-West. It is our obligation to protect the fishing industry in general. Brexit has the potential to have a detrimental effect on the fishing industry as 60% of our total mackerel catch and 40% of our lobster catch are caught in UK waters. Has the Taoiseach any plans to set up a mitigation fund to protect the fishing industry?
Comment on this
The Deputy is correct, a no-deal Brexit next month could have a very profound impact on our fishing industry. As she pointed out, about 35% of the Irish catch is taken from UK waters and that would be lost to us in the event of a no deal and perhaps vessels from other countries that currently fish in UK waters may be displaced into our waters, so this is a matter of real concern for Government.
The European Commission is proposing even in the event of a no-deal the current arrangements should continue in place at least until the end of this calendar year. Unfortunately, the UK Government is not signed up to that at this stage. However, as part of our response to a no-deal, there will need to be special and exceptional support for the fishing industry. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, should be in a position to outline that on budget day.