Dempsey to confirm compliance with Common Fisheries Policy

Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey intends to assure EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg that Ireland is taking measures to ensure conformity with the Common Fisheries Policy.

Mr Dempsey has decided to attend his first EU Fisheries Council meeting on Monday, February 20th instead of his junior minister, Pat The Cope Gallagher. This has fuelled speculation about Mr Gallagher's likely transfer from the marine. .
A spokesman for the Minister said Mr Dempsey would brief the fisheries commissioner on current progress in relation to alleged illegal fishing by Irish vessels.

The meeting comes after a recent letter sent by the Minister to the commissioner over alleged illegal landings by Irish pelagic (mackerel/herring) boats into Scotland.