Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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1732. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he has engaged in discussions in Europe on reported plans to allow Iceland access to European fishing grounds; whether his Department has conducted a risk analysis of the impact of such a measure on the Irish fishing fleet and fish population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20276/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The European Commission has exclusive competence to negotiate with Third Countries on behalf of the EU in relation to fishing opportunities, on the basis of a mandate agreed by Council.

There has been engagement between the European Commission and Member States as regards discussions on Iceland and my Department takes an active involvement in discussions which may impact, or offer opportunities for, Ireland’s seafood sector.

Were access to EU waters to be provided to Iceland, the impact would depend on the specifics of any such deal, including any counterbalancing offer from Iceland to the fishers.

There is currently no such agreement in place between the EU and Iceland. I continue to engage with stakeholders with whom these discussions may impact.