Coveney says commitment already made to end overfishing

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said that he has already committed to end overfishing in EU waters by 2015 - where possible.

It comes as wildlife and environmental groups call for him to support their campaign to end the practice, so that fish stocks can return to sustainable levels.

Simon Coveney said that there are a number of issues that need to be dealt with before that happens - but he wants action on them before the end of Ireland's EU Presidency.

"What NGOs are looking for is the implementation of MSY as soon as possible, we're committed to that," he said.

"We have already agreed amongst 27 countries that where possible stocks will have MSY management by 2015 and that all stocks in the European Union that are subject to quota will have MSY management systems by 2020

"So we have committed to what they are asking for."