Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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335. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on strengthening the supports for offshore islands in the Common Fisheries Policy in the upcoming negotiations on the Common Fisheries Policy. [56059/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As indicated in my reply to question of 1304 of 8 November 2022, the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation (Regulation EU 1380/2013) provides that the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP by the end of 2022. 

Earlier this year, I established a national Common Fisheries Policy Review group of relevant stakeholders to examine the issues that arise for Ireland in the context of the CFP Review, to advise me on priorities for the negotiations and to identify strategies most likely to influence the outcome of the review.   The Group involved representatives of key industry and environmental stakeholders, including the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation and the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, which represent island and inshore fishers.

The CFP Review Group submitted its final report to me on 5th August.  The Group is of the opinion that legislative changes are needed due to a number of critical issues confronting the fishing industry including, but not limited to, the impact of Brexit, the social and economic sustainability of fisheries dependent communities, food security, climate change and biodiversity loss.  The stakeholders have set out a number of recommendations on aspects of the CFP which need to be addressed in order to adapt to the monumental changes of recent years and ensure a sustainable future for the sector.   

I have forwarded a copy of the report to the Fisheries Commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevicius.  I have made clear that I am fully satisfied that this report demonstrates that there is need for legislative changes in the current policy to address the disproportionate impacts of the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement and in the context of the new environmental challenges we are all facing.  I have asked him to review the report's findings and recommendations and consider how these can be taken forward to support a fair and balanced CFP.  I also brought the report to Government for its information.