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New EU proposals for a deal in Brexit trade negotiations with the UK would be a “death sentence” for the Irish fishing industry, an industry group has warned.
The latest move in the talks has seen EU negotiator Michel Barnier propose returning 25 per cent of the value of fish caught by EU vessels in British waters to the UK, according to reports.
Seán O’Donoghue, executive director of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organization, which represents Donegal fishermen, said the concession would be an “absolute disaster” for the Irish fishing industry.
Previously, the EU position had been an offer to return between 15 and 18 per cent of the value of fish caught by EU fleets in British waters to the UK.
Speaking on Saturday, O’Donoghue, head of the main industrial group, said the fishing sector had been “pulled under the bus” in the talks.
The Irish fishing industry would be the hardest hit by the deal proposed by all EU member states, he said. “We are being the slaughtered lamb of the trade negotiations. . . For us, this is similar to a no-deal, ”he said.
The reported concessions to return 25 percent “absolutely” gave too much to the UK side, he said.
“This is the death sentence for the fishing industry,” he said, estimating that the impact could cost between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs in Ireland.
“The form of a deal, as it currently stands, will spell the ruin of the Irish fisheries sector which directly supports more than 16,000 jobs and is worth more than € 1.2 billion annually to the Irish economy,” he said.
“Our industry is literally and metaphorically on the brink and despite repeated promises we are about to be sold downstream,” he said.
“The only thing we wanted to avoid was a ‘no deal’ situation in the interest of all of our fishermen, but the deal now being proposed is just as bad. We are seeing vicious and unprecedented cuts in our pelagic, shellfish and whitefish stocks, ”he said.
Fishing has become one of the key points in the ongoing negotiations to reach a trade deal between Britain and the EU, and the talks have entered a critical period in recent days.
The current proposal on Brussels fish is “irritating,” O’Donoghue said. He asked the government to “defend its fishermen.”
“While our industry has faced many serious and serious challenges over the years and has proven to be tough, versatile and determined, this is a desperate slap in the face and potentially the biggest and most catastrophic setback of our time. ” he said.
Farmers
Farmers in Ireland and Britain have reaffirmed the importance of avoiding a no-deal Brexit for the agricultural sector.
The President of the Irish Farmers Association, Tim Cullinan, and the President of the National Farmers Union of England and Wales, Minette Batters, called on both groups of negotiators in the Brexit talks to stand firm “on the search for an agreement “, for the future trade relationship between the EU and Great Britain from 1 January.
In a joint statement, the two leaders reiterated their “firm commitment to meeting the world-class standards that underpin food production in the UK and Ireland”, and insisted that any future agreement should ensure full recognition of these. standards.
“Trade on the island of Ireland and trade flows from east to west and west to east are important to the economies of these islands. Every effort should be made to safeguard the trade in agri-food products, which plays a crucial role in the prosperity of rural communities, ”said the leaders.
Reaffirming their commitment to working together for the benefit of Irish and British farmers, the two leaders held a remote meeting on Friday to discuss the latest developments in the Brexit talks.
The two agricultural leaders have been in regular contact during the Brexit negotiations, given the importance of the talks for farmers and the broader agri-food industry.
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