Transfer of fisheries portfolio ‘an important milestone’
Irish South and West Fish Producers chief executive Gerard O’Flynn made the comment following a meeting between the organisation’s board and Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan.
The meeting took place in Castletownbere just hours after the fisheries portfolio was formally transferred to Ms Coughlan’s department from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Key issues such as fishing fleet decommissioning, quota management and a number of control and enforcement matters were discussed. Decommissioning, or fishing vessel “scrappage”, was identified as a key industry reform.
Mr O’Flynn said this scheme cannot be announced until such time as there is complete clarity on the net payments that participants can expect. Many applicants have significant borrowings and are being asked to give up a life-long vocation.
“It is essential there is complete clarity on what is on offer and what deductions in the form of taxation or other reductions will apply,” he said.
Mr O’Flynn said the key issue is to develop policies that will provide for a sustainable, legal and profitable industry.
“Current legislation that relies on criminal law to address the most minor of offences is gratuitously unfair and even conflicts with EU policy that continuously recommends the introduction of administrative sanctions as a preferred enforcement measure,” he said
Mr O’Flynn said the meeting with Ms Coughlan was very positive. She clearly has a detailed knowledge of the fisheries brief, and is fully committed to building a good working relationship with the industry, he said.
Mr O’Flynn said he is confident Ms Coughlan is aware of the issues, committed to their resolution and will work closely with the industry to build a profitable fishing industry.
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