The European Commission has been accused of "highly improper behaviour" by the Fianna Fail MEP for Connacht-Ulster, Mr Pat The Cope Gallagher, over new fisheries proposals affecting the north-west supertrawler fleet.
The acting Commission has proposed that Ireland be given 14,000 tonnes of blue whiting under a new share-out of the fishery. This represents 10 per cent of the total for all EU member states.
The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, has sought an urgent meeting with Germany, as EU presidency holder, and has said that the proposed figure is "grossly unfair."
Mr Joey Murrin, chief executive of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation (KFO), has sought an urgent meeting with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, over the proposed share.
The Commission's proposals showed once again that the Irish fishing industry was the "sacrificial lamb at the Brussels negotiation table," Mr Murrin said.
Mr Gallagher said that it was "highly improper" of the acting Commission to make such proposals, which would tie the hands of the incoming Commission. Ireland had landed 47,000 tonnes of blue whiting last year and it must receive an equitable share, he said.
The Commission has recommended that the greatest share of the blue whiting fishery be given to the Netherlands and Britain, out of an overall EU allocation of 133,000 tonnes. Norway has been exploiting the largest share of the fishery, which is a lucrative alternative for the hard-pressed mackerel fleet.
The Naval Service has arrested three Norwegian vessels in Irish waters this year on the blue whiting fishery.
