Minister to push for EU response to fishing crisis

The Minister for Agriculture is to press for a fast and effective response from the EU over the adverse impact of high fuel prices on the Irish fishing industry.

The development follows protracted discussions between the Federation of Irish Fishermen and officials from the Department which ended late last night in Athlone.

Minister Brendan Smith gave an undertaking to request a new EU funded package to alleviate the difficulties facing fishermen when he meets with Commissioner Joe Borg next Wednesday.

Fishermen are meeting again this morning to consider their response to the proposals from the Department.