Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It certainly strengthens our position and means that as an industry, a sector and a country we are together in the way we move forward. I have been very much informed at all stages by working with the sector and by its views and perspectives. The European Council meeting in Brussels will start at 9 a.m. on Sunday and run all day Monday and probably overnight Monday into Tuesday morning. I will meet with people from the sector when I arrive in Brussels, that is, those who are in Brussels. I will also meet remotely with other, including those at home. I will keep them up to speed with how the negotiations are going. Likewise, as for putting ourselves in the best possible position to deal with the Common Fisheries Policy review, I have worked with them on that as well. Every other country will have a different view and perspective from us and everybody will be battling and looking to retain their situation, and improve it if they can. It does not mean it is easy but I certainly think in terms of working together it is the strongest way to commence that.