Fischler rules out unrestricted access to 'Irish box'
EU Agriculture and Fisheries Commission Franz Fischler has ruled out unrestricted access to Ireland's 50-mile fishing exclusion zone.
But he said the zone, known as the "Irish box" must be regulated.
Spain had been pressing for access to the "Irish box", saying fishing restrictions in the area were against free trade rules.
However, speaking after talks with Irish fishing organisations today, Mr Fischler said: "It is out of the question that we can give full access to everybody, but a reduction must take place on a non-discriminatory basis.
"Regulation of the "Irish box" is needed because of the great sensitivity of this water and because also of the fact that they are big spawning grounds."
