Dublin (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – MEP Nina Carberry a leading Irish figure on the International Trade Committee has vowed to defend Ireland’s fishing industry during the upcoming review of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), planned for next year.
How Will MEP Carberry Defend Ireland’s Fishing Industry?
The current trade agreement has posed considerable challenges for Ireland’s fishing sector, with negative effects that have rippled throughout the industry. MEP Carberry, identifying the critical importance of this sector to Ireland’s economy, is dedicated to advocating for a fairer deal that will sufficiently support Irish fisheries.
How Will MEP Carberry Defend Ireland’s Fishing Industry?
“As it stands, the TCA does not adequately shield Ireland’s fishing industry, which is a cornerstone of our coastal communities and a strong contributor to our economy,” stated Carberry. “The seafood sector contributes €1.3 billion annually to the Irish economy and sustains thousands of jobs. The TCA must be revised to ensure a more equitable outcome for our fisheries.”
In preparation for the upcoming examination, MEP Carberry recently sat with Cllr Manus Boyle to examine the implications of Brexit on Ireland’s fishing industry and the required reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This meeting highlighted Carberry’s commitment to working as an advocate for coastal and island communities, assuring their voices are heard in the European Parliament.
In addition to her actions in Brussels, MEP Carberry is calling on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, to assign the remaining funds from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund (BAR) to the fishing community as soon as possible. “These funds are essential to help mitigate the impacts of Brexit on our fishing industry. The timely distribution of the remaining BAR funds will provide much-needed support to those who have been hardest hit,” Carberry highlighted.
What Are MEP Carberry’s Priorities in the Upcoming Trade Review?
In her function on the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, Carberry intends to bring these matters to the forefront of discussions, operating closely with stakeholders to secure an agreement that recognises the significance of Ireland’s fishing industry. “The upcoming Brexit trade review is a crucial opportunity to address the imbalances in the current agreement. I will be battling for a revision that protects Irish jobs, sustains our coastal communities, and ensures the long-term viability of our fishing industry,” Carberry said.
