To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the NI Fishermen's Federation in regard to apportioning additional quota between the devolved administrations.

I have met regularly with the representatives of the NI Fishermen’s Federation (NIFF) since the launch of the DEFRA consultation on 9th October 2020 on apportionment of additional fishing quota between the UK Fisheries Administrations. This included facilitating a meeting in November 2020 between me, the NIFF representatives and UK Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis MP at which the NIFF were able to express their concerns directly. We also met with Minister Prentis and NI Office Minister Walker to discuss this issue in March this year. Most recently I met with the NIFF earlier this month and once again the apportionment of additional quota was on our agenda.

Both the Fishing Industry’s and my concerns have been strongly represented to DEFRA Ministers. Whilst the recent announcement by the DEFRA Secretary of State was not in line with our preferred method of apportionment, which would have generated more additional quota for Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland has nevertheless made significant gains in fishing quota compared to when the UK was in the EU.

I will continue to liaise with the NIFF and make the case on behalf of the Northern Ireland fishing industry for a fair allocation of additional quota for 2022 and beyond.