Ireland and France discuss fisheries goals

Ireland and France are working to agree on a package of fisheries measures, notably increased catch selectivity and a reduction in young fish discards.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and French Fisheries Minister Alain Vidalies have met in Brussels to prepare for negotiations on the 2015 fish quotas which will be decided at the Fisheries Council next month.

Mr Coveney said: “France and Ireland have important shared fisheries in the Celtic Sea. I met Minister Vidalies to discuss with him the issues of importance relating to the management of these fisheries.

“There are particular issues arising in the Celtic Sea and our industries have worked together to bring forward measures to increase selectivity and reduce discarding of young fish.

“The EU Commission has proposed very severe quota cuts to the key cod and haddock fisheries.

“I agreed with Minister Vidalies that we will work closely over the coming weeks to secure agreement to a package of measures involving improved selectivity measures and set quota levels that take into account the most up to date scientific advice,” Mr Coveney added.