IRISH fishermen can expect a 15% increase in their income next year after a deal was reached on the amount of fish they can take out of the sea at marathon negotiations in Brussels.

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.

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

FISHERMEN and consumers of fish are getting a raw deal.

THE Government may be asked to make hardship funds available for cod fishermen.