'Very difficult' meetings in Brussels for Irish Fisheries Minister

THE Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, took part in very difficult meetings yesterday on the deep cuts to white fish quotas proposed by the Commission which continued late last night.

Early morning meetings continue on difficult negotiations on quota allocations. The Minister is insisting on a fair deal for Irish fishermen and a responsible science based deal for fish stocks.

The Minister stated that he is refusing to compromise on protecting the livelihoods of fishermen, when there is strong science to back up the Irish position.

There may be agreement late this afternoon/early evening but it is too early to accurately predict.