Lisbon Treaty extends co-decision to Common Fisheries Policy
Issued : Tuesday 29 September, 2009
Statement by Senator Michael McCarthy
Spokesperson on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; Marine; Agriculture, Community and Rural Affairs
Fisheries is one of the portfolios that is subject to the most profound procedural changes under the Lisbon Reform Treaty. The Treaty provides for the introduction of co-decision powers, between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, in the development of fisheries policy.
The Treaty also allows for the establishment of Regional Advisory Councils in the area of fisheries. As the European Parliament observed, ‘this may be regarded as a desirable step toward returning the administration of the fisheries sector to a more local level of decision-making’.
Labour Party Spokesperson on the Marine, Senator Michael McCarthy said: “I welcome these provisions in the Lisbon Treaty as they will invest the European Parliament with real power to influence decision making on fisheries policy. I feel this will make policy formation in this area more open and transparent. As I stated during last year, decisions affecting the fisheries industry have, for too long, been taken behind closed doors by Ministers and bureaucrats and I believe this has lead to unfavourable outcomes for the sector.
“I believe the Lisbon Treaty provides for more openness and accountability in decision making for the fisheries sector. It will create a more consultative process in the formation of policy. It will give the European Parliament a strong voice and it will move toward returning the administration of fisheries to the regions.
“As has been highlighted during the Lisbon Treaty debate, there is much concern about the future in the fishing community. The rising cost of fuel and the decrease in the prices paid to fishermen make the future look very bleak. I know that the fishing community has suffered much, but I firmly believe that the E.U. is the only forum that can provide solutions to these problems. I feel that the Lisbon Treaty provides a stepping stone toward a better future for the fishing industry.
“I am calling on the fishing community throughout Ireland to support this Treaty and to Vote Yes on Friday, 2nd October.”
