Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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460. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to request an emergency meeting with his EU counterparts to address the cuts to Ireland's fishing quotas, especially the proposed cut of 70% to Ireland's mackerel quota in 2026, following on from previous cuts of 26% in 2024 as a result of Brexit, 22% in 2025; his views on whether these cuts will have a devastating impact on the Irish fishing fleet and processors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67196/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I am acutely aware that the scale of the reductions indicated by scientific advice for some of Ireland's key fish stocks is a matter of grave concern for Ireland's seafood sector, and the coastal communities which are dependent upon it economically.

Regarding the matter of the overfishing of Mackerel by some Coastal States outside the EU, I raised the issue as an AOB at the October Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, calling for urgent action at EU level to protect our key pelagic stocks. I reiterated this again last week at the November AgriFish Council Meeting.

I will continue to highlight this critical issue for our fishers, and to engage intensively with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and other Member States on possible actions to protect our stocks.

At the November Council meeting, I also confirmed Ireland’s intention to invoke the Hague Preferences at the appropriate time. The Hague Preferences give Ireland an increased share of important fish stocks when TAC levels reduce below a specified level. I made clear to Member States at the November Council meeting that the Hagues are a fundamental part of relative stability and have been recognised as such in the legal framework of the Common Fisheries Policy since 1983 when the CFP was established.

Most of the EU fish stocks for which Ireland has quota are shared with Third Countries. The European Commission has sole competence to negotiate with Third Countries on behalf of the EU and my priority is that the EU secures the best possible outcome for the Irish fishing community.

As we move towards the finalisation of setting the 2026 fishing opportunities at the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council, my focus over the coming weeks is to continue to work towards the best possible outcome for Ireland’s seafood sector in 2026 - one that ensures the sustainability of the stocks and a level playing field for our fleet.