Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My understanding is that very little pelagic fishing happens during the summer months in any event. I accept, however, that one does see large Dutch vessels off the west coast at times. That is, of course, an issue. Ireland cannot take a unilateral decision to shut down fisheries. These are seen as EU waters for which Ireland has responsibility. As a result, there would need to be an EU policy in respect of Irish waters and that would need to be negotiated at Council level. That might prove difficult. I am happy to consider all of these matters. Ultimately, this relates to trying to manage a stock that is by far the largest - in terms of value - to the fishing industry. These matters must be resolved at European level.

Coastal states negotiations are currently taking place in Bergen between the EU and Norway in the context of trying to agree a quota allocation for mackerel. I suspect that agreement will be reached in this regard in the coming days. The Commission has been stating that it must go beyond 15% in order that it will have the moral and legal authority to introduce trade sanctions. In my view we can, from a legal standpoint, move ahead with trade sanctions without it going beyond 15%. That is just a difference of opinion I have with the Commissioner. The most important aspect of this matter is that we must stick with Norway. Whatever is agreed in respect of TAC reductions should be the same in Norway as it is in the EU in order that we will not disadvantage ourselves versus other countries. Together, we can ratchet up the pressure on the Faroe Islands and Iceland to come to the table and reach a negotiated settlement. Iceland has shown some willingness in this regard but the Faroes have shown none at all. In my opinion, this represents a really reckless approach towards a very valuable stock. We need to force change in this regard and if this involves trade sanctions, then so be it.