Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will meet with representatives of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation to discuss the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19620/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister with responsibility for fisheries, I will be working closely with the Irish fishing industry, through its representative organisations, to address the key issues the industry faces into the future. Meetings are held at regular intervals with industry representatives — including those from the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation — through the Sea Fisheries Consultative Council, to discuss these issues and to develop strategies that will safeguard the Irish industry's future. I plan to meet the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF), which includes the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation in the near future to hear their concerns at first hand. Officials of my Department also meet industry representatives on a regular basis in relation to management of the various fisheries. I am always available to listen to and consider the concerns of the industry and its representatives.