14th June 2005

“Fuel Crisis: Commission Urged to Act by IS&WFO”

The Irish South and West Fishermens Organisation emerged from a recent meeting with Commission Officials with a commitment to explore ways in which the EC could support fishing vessels adversely affected by the high cost of fuel. The Organisation was part of a delegation of fishing representatives from six Member States who met with high ranking Commission Officials in Brussels.

According to Jason Whooley, Manager of the IS&WFO, "The Commission share our concerns about the consequences of the continuing high price of fuel. We agreed that the signs are that the price of fuel oil will not decrease substantially any time soon. As a result, a wide range of fishing vessels could face insolvency. We also agreed that as this was a pan European problem it requires a pan European solution." He added "The Commission indicated its willingness to assist the Industry to survive this period of high fuel costs, the issue is how to develop a support package that is consistent with the various state aid and competition rules. As a first step, the Commission has agreed to set up a joint Working Group, involving both fisheries and competition directorates from the Commission, along with fishing representatives. The first meeting will be held within two weeks and the aim will be to agree a way forward. The Commission was insistent that it could only support a scheme if the issue of short-term aid was addressed as part of a long-term strategy for delivering a sustainable, fuel efficient fleet. Nevertheless, there is hope that a short-term support package could be developed as a stepping stone to the longer term plan".

There are existing national support measures in France, Spain and Italy for their Fishing Industry. "We are also pressing for this issue to be discussed at the Council of Ministers on 20th June, as political support will be vital if a scheme is to be put in place reasonably quickly," Mr. Whooley concluded.