Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The reason there has been no mandate is because of the position I have taken as the Irish Minister. I consulted with those in our sector, and they are fully up to speed on everything that has happened here. I have kept them up to speed at all times. I read out what I have done regarding the line I have taken with the Commission. I have set a very high threshold, which is absolutely appropriate, with regard to respecting our waters in terms of fish and the fish coming to Ireland, should there be any deal.

Our share of blue whiting at the moment is 14%, for example. That is our quota. I have insisted that if there is to be any blue whiting transfer at European level, or any discussion with Iceland or any mandate provided, it could only be in the instance where, at an absolute minimum, we would get a quota of 75%. As other member states are not agreeable to that, so there has been no mandate. However, that is the very clear, hard position I have taken, which has meant there has been no movement or progress regarding the negotiation with Iceland.

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