Fianna Fáil MEPS are to make a detailed submission on how best to reform the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP ) - The European Commission has opened up a consultation procedure concerning the reform of the CFP post 2013 - We must negotiate issues of national importance in Europe from a position of strength and not from a position of weakness -


The three Fianna Fáil MEPS Pat the Cope Gallagher, Brian Crowley and Liam Aylward are to make a detailed submission on how best to reform the Common Fisheries Policy in Europe.

Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP, a member of the fisheries committee in the European Parliament today said that " the European Commission has opened up a consultation process this year seeking submissions on how best to reform the Common Fisheries Policy post 2013. This consultation procedure is open until December 31st next.
I welcome the fact that Jo Borg, the EU Fisheries Commissioner has said that no stone will be left unturned in the context of this reform process.
I firmly believe that we need to radically reform the European Common Fisheries Policy so that the interests of Irish fishermen and coastal communities are fully protected into the future. Irish fishing groups must be centrally involved in the future reform process of the EU Common Fisheries Policy and in the regulation process. I am working very closely with representatives from the Irish fishing industry in the context of the future reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. "

Brian Crowley MEP said that " Ireland must negotiate political issues of a national significance in Europe, such as the future reform of the Common Fisheries Policy from a position of strength and not from a position of weakness. As an MEP, I fully recognise that there are very many important and sensitive issues to be addressed in Europe from the perspective of Irish fishermen."

Liam Aylward MEP said that "we need to find a solution which will restore depleting stocks of particular species while at the same time guaranteeing that Irish fishing has a viable and a competitive future.
We must also continue to increase the level of Irish fish exports which had a total value of 330 million Euro alone in the year 2008. It is recognised internationally that Irish fish products are of the highest quality."

The three Fianna Fáil MEPs will be meeting shortly with the EU Fisheries Commissioner Jo Borg to discuss in detail how best the future reform of the Common Fisheries Policy can protect and improve the operation of the Irish fishing industry in a practical sense into the future.

August 26th 2009.