Agriculture Committee to discuss fish quota allocations

On the agenda will be issues concerning the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017 and domestic aspects of fish quota allocations within the Irish fishing industry.

Representatives from the Irish Fish Producers Organisations and the National Inshore Fisheries Forum will address the Committee.

Committee Chair, Pat Deering TD, said: “Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that Northern Ireland boats have no lawful entitlement to fish for mussels in Irish territorial waters. As a result of this judgement, the government has decided that legislation is required to address the Supreme Court's findings and restores access to Irish waters for Northern Irish fishermen. Tomorrow we will meet with stakeholders who have concerns about the proposed legislation. Ireland's fisheries sector is an essential part of our economy and it is essential that we safeguard Irish interests relating to access to fishing grounds and quota share.”

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.