FISHING SKIPPERS and crew are due to meet in Athlone, Co Westmeath, this morning to discuss their suspension of demonstrations over the industry's current financial crisis.
A threatened blockade of ports, including Dublin, Cork, and Foynes in Co Limerick, was suspended two weeks ago pending the outcome of the June EU fisheries council in Luxembourg.
The suspension followed a pledge by Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Brendan Smith and his junior counterpart, Tony Killeen, to expedite a "new EU-funded package of measures to alleviate the immediate issues of concern to the Irish fishing industry".
The two Ministers have said that no State funds are available for a temporary tie-up, which would alleviate severe financial pressure on vessels during the current period of fuel price rises.
Last week's EU fisheries council agreed to implement measures in 2010 over illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, imports of which have been depressing prices paid to European fishermen.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates such fish comprises up to 30 per cent of total catches in certain major fisheries, and represents some €1.1 billion in annual imports to Europe.
However, no decision was taken last week on the rising fuel price difficulties which have sparked protests by fishermen across Europe.
Instead, EU fisheries commissioner Joe Borg promised "definitive proposals" for next month's ministerial council on July 15th. The decision to buy time on the fuel price issue has been described as "extremely frustrating" by the Federation of Irish Fishermen, which is seeking temporary tie-up aid for vessels.
Minister of State for Fisheries Tony Killeen said he would continue to press for a "pan-European" approach to the issue, through a "strong package" of EU-funded measures.
He welcomed the support offered on the issue by a number of other member states, and said he anticipated "further progress" could be made on July 15th.
The Ministers have also pledged to review the current system of penalties for fishery offences, "taking account of legal realities", Mr Killeen said.
The fishing industry - and the European Commission - favour a system of administrative penalties for minor offences.
The two Ministers have established a new Irish seafood market initiative under the chairmanship of Bord Iascaigh Mhara chief executive Jason Whooley.
They have also proposed a fisheries science research partnership to nurture "mutual understanding" on marine science priorities.
First offers in the Government's €42 million decommissioning programme have also been rolled out in the past fortnight.
