Minister no longer committed to Irish box, claims FG

The Minister for Communication and Marine, is no longer committed to protecting the Irish Box or safeguarding the future of the Irish fishing industry, Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney TD claimed today.

"I directly questioned Minister Dermot Ahern in the Dail yesterday, as to whether the Irish naval service was under instructions to arrest Spanish fishing vessels, if more than the allowed quota of 40 vessels enter the sensitive fishing area known as the Irish Box.

"Despite being repeatedly challenged, the Minister refused to confirm that the controversial restrictions on the Spanish Fleet would be enforced. This refusal implies that the Government is no longer committed to the enforcement of restrictions within the Irish Box," said Deputy Coveney.

"The protection of the Irish Box is of key importance to the Irish fishing industry and the failure to protect it by the Minister is a dereliction of his duty to ensure a positive future for Irish fishing and fish stocks."