Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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122. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions at EU level regarding Ireland’s total allowable catches for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66612/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The majority of Ireland's commercial fish stocks are shared between the EU and Third Countries, such as the UK.

The European Commission has exclusive competency to negotiate fishery agreements with Third Countries on behalf of EU Member States. The Commission operates under a mandate set by Council and any agreement is formally adopted by Council. Ireland inputs into the development of this mandate and throughout the negotiation process, in order to raise our concerns and priorities.

I addressed the matter of Ireland's fishing opportunities at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in September, October and November.

At the November Council meeting, I also confirmed of Ireland’s intention to invoke the Hague Preferences at the appropriate time, noting that the Hague Preferences are a fundamental part of relative stability and have been recognised as such in the legal framework of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) since 1983 when the CFP was established.

I will continue to engage intensively with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and other Member States to raise issues of importance for Ireland and to reach an outcome that ensures the sustainability of the stocks and a level playing field for our fleet.