Taoiseach acknowledges the ‘severe impact’ of the Brexit deal during talks with fisheries representatives

TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN held talks with representatives of fisheries organizations about the ramifications of the post-Brexit trade deal on the industry in Ireland.

The Taoiseach acknowledged the “severe impact” that the outcome of the Brexit negotiations would have on the industry and the disappointment expressed by representative bodies during discussions this afternoon.

The discussions were also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Navy, Charlie McConalogue.

The talks took place before a cabinet meeting today where support for fisheries will be discussed.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach said the Government was fully committed to collaborating with representative bodies and working with and for the sector and coastal communities in the coming period.

“The Government will have an initial discussion on the subject at its meeting today. The Taoiseach confirmed that all possible avenues of support to the sector would be examined and a comprehensive plan would be developed in consultation with representative bodies, ”the spokesperson said.

Industry groups reacted angrily to the terms of the trade deal after they were announced last week.

The deal calls for the EU to return to the UK 25% of the value of fish stocks caught by European vessels in British waters, having originally proposed to return between just 15% and 18%.

Earlier today, the 27 member states of the European Union gave the green light for the post-Brexit trade deal to take effect on January 1.

The UK parliament is expected to ratify the deal when it meets on Wednesday to vote on the deal.