MSPs meet with their Irish counterparts

07.11.2013

MSPs on the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee today met with their Irish counterparts to discuss Scotland’s experience of sustaining coastal and island communities.

The Sub-Committee on Fisheries of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Parliament of the Republic of Ireland) is visiting the Scottish Parliament today as part of its fact finding mission to Scotland to help inform a report on the issue.

The parliamentarian’s discussed issues around how to secure a long term sustainable future for coastal and island communities and the importance of a co-ordinated approach; the management of inshore fisheries, quotas and small scale fishing; aquaculture and the location of fish farms and the interaction between aquaculture and tourism; the importance of skills development and the management of the marine environment.

Rob Gibson MSP, Convener of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee said:

“Our Committee recently visited a number of coastal communities in Scotland to see the aquaculture industry in action, how wild and farmed fisheries interact with each other and the importance of these industries to local communities.

“I am delighted our Committee has been able to share Scotland’s knowledge and experience with our fellow parliamentarians on this vitally important issue.”

Andrew Doyle TD, Chair of the Joint Committee sub-Committee on Fisheries said:

“This visit to Scotland will afford the Committee a solid understanding of what policy options are available to bolster coastal and island communities in Ireland.

“Exploring the potential for aquaculture development is a key part of this work.”

Background
The Joint Sub-Committee on Fisheries has visited the Scottish Parliament as part of a wider fact finding mission to Scotland.

The Committee’s parliamentary programme included the meeting with the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee, observing General Question Time and First Minister’s Questions and meeting with the Convener of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee, Kevin Stewart MSP.