Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has expressed concerns over the EU-Norway Fisheries deal, which was reached last week.

MEP Funchion highlighted Norway’s history of overfishing in an unsustainable manner, and criticised the European Commission and Irish Government for failing to stand up for Ireland’s coastal and fishing communities.

Speaking from Brussels, Funchion said:

“I have very serious concerns over this fishing agreement, and the impact it could have on Irish coastal and fishing communities, particularly the stock of blue whiting in Irish waters. These are communities which have been let down by successive European Commissions and successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments.

“Now, we have this latest deal which could negatively impact these communities further, particularly when you consider Norway’s history of overfishing.

“Last October, I wrote to the European Commission where I asked if they would seriously consider the proposal by the Irish fishing industry and ban Norway from fishing in Irish waters. I have yet to receive a response.

“The European Commission and the Irish Government are failing to stand up for Irish coastal and fishing communities, and this must end. In the near future, there will be further negotiations with Britain on fishing quotas; the Irish fishing industry cannot continue to be the first casualty in negotiations.

“I am calling on the European Commission and the Irish government to immediately work with all Irish stakeholders to ensure this deal does not negatively impact an industry already on its knees.

“Dublin and Brussels must do more to ensure a sustainable future for fisheries across Ireland.”