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SNP AND
IRISH FISHERIES MINISTER MEETING ON SCOTS CRISIS
20 January 2004
EU PRESIDENT
IN COUNCIL DISCUSSES KEY CONCERNS
SNP Euro-MP
Ian Hudghton MEP today in Brussels held private talks with Irish Fisheries
Minister Mr Dermot Ahern TD. Mr Ahern, acting in his role as EU President
in Council, is a key figure in shaping the European fisheries agenda
during the next six months of the Irish Presidency of the EU. During the
meeting Mr Hudghton highlighted areas of key concern to Scotland's fishing
communities.
After the
meeting, Mr Hudghton said:
"It is perhaps
a mark of the gravity of the current Scottish fishing crisis that the
Minister kindly agreed to meet with me today. During the meeting I was
able to articulate the strength of feeling in Scotland surrounding the
current situation and highlight some of the key areas of concern to our
fishermen.
"Mr Ahern
showed a deep understanding of the issues affecting our coastal
communities. We discussed, of course, in detail the immediate threat to
our industry in the wake of December's disastrous Council decisions. We
also had an opportunity to explore some of the other issues of relevance
to Scotland - such as access rights and meaningful regional decision
making bodies.
"Throughout
our meeting Mr Ahern seemed genuinely interested in the concerns of the
Scottish industry. It was, indeed, a breath of fresh air to speak to a
Minister who has a knowledge and understanding of fisheries issues - in
contrast with the London ministers we normally have to deal with. It
truly is a tragedy that Scotland - unlike Ireland - is unable to depend on
a minister to fight tooth and nail for us at the top table in Europe."
Notes
· Dermot
Ahern TD is Ireland's Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural
Resources. During the Irish Presidency of the EU he will chair all
meetings of the Fisheries Council.
· Mr Ahern
was in Brussels to attend a meeting of the European Parliament's Fisheries
Committee. He met privately with Mr Hudghton after the committee meeting
and before returning to Dublin.
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