Irish fishermen await outcome of latest EU quota talks

Groups representing Irish fishermen are in Brussels today for the start of negotiations among marine ministers on next year's fishing quotas.

The European Commission has recommended increased quotas for species like hake and monkfish, but Irish fishermen are concerned about proposed cuts in herring, whiting and prawn catches.

Speaking ahead of the talks, Joe Maddock from the Irish Fishermen's Organisation said he was most worried about possible cuts in the number of days fishermen can spend at sea.

Jason Whooley of the Irish South And West Fishermen's Organisation said he wanted Marine Minister Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher to minimise reductions in Irish quotas.