Fishermen say quota deal is best that could be achieved

Irish fishermen have said the agreement on next year's fishing quotas agreed by EU ministers early this morning is the best that could have been achieved in the circumstances.

The deal will lead to cuts of around 15% in cod, herring and whiting catches, but prawn and monkfish quotas are both going up.

Jason Whooley of the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation said the agreement should protect the immediate future of the Irish fishing industry.

"The cuts have been minimised this year and thankfully they have been offset by some major gains in species like monkfish," he said.

"Overall, we're very happy with the package in terms of quota."