Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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131. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to ensure that the Common Fisheries Policy supports inshore fishers. [61001/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) sets down a legal framework for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources. Within this legal framework, I consistently work to support the interests of inshore fishers. I have strongly pursued the delivery of the restriction on larger vessels inside 6nm, which is a commitment in our Programme for Government. However, in 2019, a Judicial Review was taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy giving effect to this restriction. The Court of Appeal issued an unapproved judgment on 19th July last and requested further submissions from both parties. These have been provided to the Court on my behalf. Unfortunately, as this matter continues to be sub judice, I cannot comment further at this time.  

In preparation for the European Commission reporting to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP, required to be completed by the end of 2022, I also established a national CFP Review group. This group is made up of representatives of key industry and environmental stakeholders, including the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation and the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) which represent island and inshore fishers. In its final report, the Group highlighted the 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 set out recommendations on aspects of the CFP which need to be addressed to adapt to the monumental changes of recent years, many of which are important to our inshore sector, and ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

I have forwarded a copy of the report to the EU Fisheries Commissioner. I have made clear that I am fully satisfied that this report demonstrates that there is need for legislative changes in the current policy and I am fully supportive of the recommendations. In the context of a full review and legislative change, I will also continue to push for exclusive access within our 12-mile zone for our fishing fleet. I also brought the report to Government for its information.

I continue to liaise directly with the NIFF to hear the concerns and goals of the inshore fishing sector. I am committed to working with them to address their issues and to provide support.