Question 84: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the case for an emergency aid package to assist the fishing industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25942/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Oil prices have, in recent months, started to rise again and though they remain far below last year's all time high levels, they are a cause of concern for the Irish fishing fleet particularly in the current situation where fish prices are also depressed.

Minister of State, Deputy Tony Killeen, at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food had a meeting with European Commissioner Joe Borg on 23 June. He took the opportunity to highlight the current economic problems facing Irish fishermen. He put Ireland's submission 12 September 2008 for an emergency aid package back on the table. We firmly believe that these proposals are the needed and are the most appropriate to assist the Irish fishing industry in the current situation.

We will continue to push Ireland's case at every available forum with a view to the EU Commission bringing forward firm proposals to provide additional EU funds that will enable the full implementation of the plan.