The EU is being called on introduce a Single Boat Payment system for fishermen similar to the Single Farm Payment received by farmers.
The call comes from Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson who said she believed a regular subsidised payment similar to that given to farmers would give the industry sufficient resources to see them through the hard times such as now when the weather is affecting the ability of fishing fleets here to put to sea.
Ms Anderson said: “It has been recognised at EU level that our farmers need subsidised support due to the nature of their business and its importance to feeding our citizens.
“This recognition should similarly be extended to fishermen who regularly risk their lives to ensure fish is an available food source for families.”
Ms Anderson said she believed small fishing fleets such as Ireland’s were being left to decline whilst larger fleets on the continent prosper.
She added: “Ireland is an island nation and our fishing industry is vital to us and requires support.”
