Post European Council Meeting: Statements
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-14
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Michael Collins (II), Cork South-West

I am going to be like a twin brother to Deputy Healy-Rae because I have very similar questions. The Minister will know, and I have said already, the International Council for Exploration of the Sea has just recommended a cut to the fishing quota, with 174,357 tonnes for 2026. That is a 70% drop from 576,958 tonnes last year. What we want to know is whether the Irish Government is taking a legal challenge. Is the Government going to stand up on behalf of the Irish fishermen and take a legal challenge? Has it met President Ursula von der Leyen to address the failure of the Hague preferences, and where is it at in this present time? A legal challenge is the only way and mechanism we have and the Hague preferences are there.
I have a question for the Minister of State regarding Mercosur. This will be the third time I ask it, between the Taoiseach and Ministers. Will Barry Andrews of Fianna Fáil, Regina Doherty of Fine Gael and Seán Kelly of Fine Gael vote for Mercosur? Is the Government going to apply the whip? In fairness, the Government came out last week with its position. There was a bit of a struggle but we got there. This is the third time I have asked this question and nobody on the other side of the House can answer it. Is the Government going to apply the whip? Are they backing Ursula or are they backing Ireland? That is what we are asking. It is a straight-up question and I want a straight-up answer. I would really appreciate an answer from the Minister of State. This is the third time I have asked.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-14/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:30+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-14