Subscribe
EU Fisheries Ministers have convened in Cork under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU to address key challenges facing the sector, including generational renewal and upcoming policy decisions, while celebrating Irish culture and seafood heritage.
Statement by Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland
“And it’s brilliant to be here in Cork on this beautiful morning. I couldn’t think of anywhere better to hold our fisheries informal where we’ve brought the EU ministers for fisheries from all across the Union here, where yesterday we enjoyed a great visit to Kinsale, Charles Fort, and sampled some amazing cuisine from our seafood producers, aquaculture producers, as well as some beverages as well of Irish from our Irish producers. We had a lovely meal again with the best of our seafood and farmers’ produce from Ireland here last night in UCC, in the Aula Maxima, and today now we’re looking forward to a very constructive plenary session.”
Statement by Timmy Dooley, Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine of Ireland
“So first of all, you’re all very welcome. As Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries, it’s a great pleasure to join with Minister Coveney in welcoming delegates and ministers from across the Union. Hopefully you’ve had a nice time. I think we’ve shown the best of our Irish culture, our seafood, and our hospitality generally. We’re heading into a challenging period towards the end of the year where all the big issues have to be addressed by the Irish presidency, in which, led by Minister Coveney of course, we will ensure that we act as honest brokers through that period.”
Statement by Silvio Erkens, Minister for Food Security, Fisheries and Horticulture of the Netherlands
“I’m very happy to be here today in Ireland. I think it’s an important topic we have to discuss with the presidency: generational renewal. How do we make sure that our fishermen and women can hand over to the next generation? A lot of work needs to be done, and I think today we could lay a good foundation for that.”