EU ministers approve €600m aid package for fishermen

EU Fisheries ministers have approved a €600m emergency aid package to help fishermen struggling due to rising fuel costs.

The package of measures aims to help fleets that have been hardest hit by the spiralling cost of oil and diesel.

It was put forward by the European Commission a week ago following protests and blockades by fishermen in several EU countries, including Ireland.

Reports this morning say the aid package won't come into force until next year, which is likely to disappoint Irish fishermen.

The Federation of Irish Fishermen wants the measures to be implemented immediately and is calling on the Irish Government to announce a time-line for the roll-out of the scheme.