Row between Ireland and UK over fishing rights heats up after Irish Navy seizes two British boats
The UK cannot continue to accept the unequal application of a deal with the Republic of Ireland over fishing rights, a UK Government spokesman has said.
But the agreement hit the rocks in late 2016 when a number of Irish fishermen brought a case to the state's Supreme Court, challenging the right of Northern Ireland vessels to fish in their waters. After the Supreme Court decision, the Dublin government pledged to introduce legislation to give legal effect to Voisinage.
"However, we cannot accept the current unequal application of this arrangement indefinitely and continue to explore solutions to reinstate a level playing field as quickly as possible for the benefit of all our fishermen." He stressed Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed has no role in the execution of SFPA's functions.The spokesman said it is important to note the Supreme Court had ruled the Voisinage arrangements are not invalid, only that there is currently insufficient provision for them in domestic Irish law.
The Department of Defence said that in 2018, the Irish Naval Service detained seven fishing vessels, two of which were UK registered. Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice party, said it is time to "stand up for Northern Ireland's fishermen".
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