Time to tackle Spain on fishing

THE future of the Irish fishing industry is in the balance.We must re-double our efforts to guarantee that structures are put in place which protect the livelihoods of Irish fishermen and their families.

At a time of rapidly depleting fish stocks, we simply cannot allow Spanish fishermen unrestricted access to fish in Irish waters.

Spain is acting in an aggressive manner on this issue.

The bottom line is that if Spanish fishermen secure more access to our waters, then our fish stocks which are at a very low level, to say the least will deteriorate even more.

The Irish Sea is a very biologically sensitive area and it needs protection. That is the official view as expressed by the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament.

Stock conservation programmes must be implemented with the support of fishing organisations in Ireland.

The Spanish government is playing hardball in the context of the review negotiations of the Common Fisheries Policy. We must match their aggressiveness on this issue with equal determination and vigour.

Sean O Neachtain MEP,

42, Prospect Hill,

Galway.