The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Brendan Smith last night agreed to meet the Federation of Irish Fishermen in Athlone on Friday morning “to discuss issues that are of concern to the sector. “
Fine Gael had criticised his “silence” on the “crisis facing the fishing industry”.
Fine Gael fisheries spokesman Michael Creed said Mr Smith appeared to be “missing in action”, even as reports emerged of French and Spanish competitors “negotiating deals on the price of fuel” – and as demonstrations continued in Irish ports.
Up to 70 vessels were still blocking the entrance to Cork harbour last night, and organisers said the protest over fuel prices and cheap imports may be extended to Dublin.
Demonstrations also took place yesterday in Galway, Waterford, and in Dingle, Co Kerry, where French-registered Spanish vessels were prevented from landing fish.
Johnny Walsh, skipper of the Rachel Jay and a spokesman for the Cork protesters, said they would continue their action until there was a promise of a meeting with the Taoiseach or Mr Smith.
Supporters involved in coastal industries intend to picket the offices of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the decentralised Department of Fisheries in Clonakilty, Cork, today, according to Ebbie Sheehan, also a spokesman for the protesters.
The group called for the Government to recognise the “serious financial hardships being endured” by the industry, and sought introduction of a temporary tie-up scheme and of administrative sanctions for minor fishing offences.“Our industry, which has no history of civil disobedience . . . is forced to take these measures and will continue to do so for however long is necessary,” a statement said.
The action is not being endorsed officially by the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF), representatives of the four main industry organisations, and it was condemned as “unhelpful” by the Irish Association of Seafood Producers. The FIF renewed its call last night for temporary tie-up aid while the price of fuel is so high, and for a ban on illegal, unregulated and unreported products entering the EU.
The FIF also called for renewal of a Government commitment to provide €58 million for the decommissioning scheme for vessels over 18 metres in length, including an extension of eligibility rules; the roll-out of a similar decommissioning scheme for vessels under 18 metres in length; and introduction of initiatives at EU and national level to increase the price of fish for the primary producer.
Michael Creed said European Council regulations allowed for direct financial assistance to fishermen for “temporary cessation of activities . . . This kind of provision is urgently needed if the industry is to survive and it is vital that the Minister is in contact with Commissioner Borg.”
“Clarity” was also required from the Government on delays in introducing the operational programme for fisheries; on the need for a uniform EU-wide system of sanctions for fishery offences; and on the status of the Government’s €600 million Cawley seafood report, he said.