Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is an interesting point but there is nothing to be gained from failing to prosecute 100% the analysis we have made with others. If we were to suggest that we wanted in some way to protect Irish waters for Irish boats, we would alienate our allies. In the context of the CFP and access to community waters, we fish for 60% of our mackerel outside of our own waters. The CFP is based on Community waters being a Community resource. We fish for 60% of mackerel in UK waters. Our trawlers go elsewhere to what could be described as other countries' waters and equally, their trawlers come into our waters. We have a large 200 mile zone but it would be a serious misjudgment to talk about reopening relative stability or the CFP. That is for a later stage and when that happens, we will negotiate to get the best deal for Ireland. At this moment in time, what unites is important. What divides us or may divide us in future is not what we should explore now because that would be counterproductive.