The Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) has called on the Government to seek exemptions from the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) if similar concessions are granted to Iceland. The organisation's intervention follows reports that Iceland could secure permanent fisheries exemptions as part of future European Union membership negotiations.
IFPO chief executive Aodh O'Donnell said Ireland should receive the same treatment if the European Commission agrees to special arrangements for Iceland. "Such a move would amount to a tacit admission that the CFP is incapable of serving the interests of island nations with substantial marine resources," he said.
O'Donnell argued that Ireland and Iceland share many characteristics as maritime nations heavily dependent on fisheries. "If the European Commission accepts that the CFP cannot work for Iceland, then it must also acknowledge that the CFP is not working for Ireland," he said. "Ireland is an island nation with one of Europe's richest marine resources. Yet for decades, we have seen our fishing opportunities diminish while others benefit from access to our waters."
Reports suggest that EU Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis has indicated that there may be flexibility within the CFP rules to facilitate Iceland's accession to the European Union.
Fisheries policy has long been regarded as one of the main obstacles to Icelandic membership due to concerns about national control of fish stocks.
The IFPO said Irish fishing communities would closely watch any developments. "For years, Irish fishers have been told that the CFP cannot be changed," O'Donnell said. "We have been told there is no flexibility. We have been told quota shares are fixed. Yet when a strategically important country seeks to join the EU, the Commission suddenly discovers flexibility."
The organisation said the sector continues to face challenges arising from Brexit, quota reductions, fleet decommissioning and the recent failure to apply the Hague Preferences mechanism. "Our fleet has endured repeated sacrifices in the name of European solidarity," O'Donnell said.
The IFPO warned that any special arrangement for Iceland could establish an important precedent for fisheries policy across Europe. "If special arrangements are available for Iceland because of its geography, dependence on fisheries and unique marine resources, then those same arguments apply equally to Ireland," he said.
The organisation said it would oppose any accession agreement that granted Iceland enhanced fisheries protections while weakening Ireland's position. "There cannot be one set of rules for Iceland and another for Ireland," O'Donnell said. "If Europe is prepared to recognise that the CFP does not fit Iceland, then it is time to recognise that it has failed many Irish fishing communities as well."
