Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have been talking to many fishermen and people involved in the farming sector recently. European and UK fishermen have shared fish stocks and fishing grounds for centuries. They have harvested limited resources, some 100 shared stocks that know no borders. The Irish relationship with our UK colleagues has always been grounded on understanding and reasoned discussion. A no-deal Brexit would destroy the agreement that was in place. Others will be like wolves at the door, ready to devour Irish fishermen and our seas, if there is a no-deal Brexit or no agreement. Where is the fund that was promised to fishermen, not just to Irish fishermen but to all who share this resource? Does the Government realise we will have only our own waters in which to fish after Brexit and that we have no rights to fish in French, Dutch, Spanish, Belgian, Swedish, Polish or German fishing waters? On the other hand, our coastline is freely available to the fishermen of these countries. Has the Minister been in discussions with Ministers from other European fishing countries that will be affected by a crash out by the United Kingdom and, if so, will he explain the type of compensation package that is being discussed for the fishing industry?

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