The Minister of State with special responsibility for fisheries and forestry, Tony Killeen, has said he expects the EU Commission will agree new measures which will address illegal seafood imports and unregulated fishing.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News At One, Mr Killeen also said the issue would be a significant part of the agenda at the two-day meeting of EU fisheries ministers in Luxembourg.
The ministers are trying to reach agreement on an aid package for the fishing industry.
EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg will give details of a proposed package of measures.
Ireland, France and Spain are seeking financial help for their fishermen as fishing fleets are cut because of depleted stocks. However, it is not clear how this could be funded, whether from the EU or national governments.
Among the suggestions is a form of set-aside for fishermen, compensating some boats for not going to sea, thus freeing up catches to help other vessels survive.
This is outside of the vessel decommissioning scheme, for which €41m has been provided, but which could still do with more owners leaving the industry to reach its overall target.
Meanwhile, Minister Killeen has also announced that a promised Government scheme to remove fishing boats from the fleet is to go ahead.
The owners of 46 boats have been offered compensation to leave the fishing industry. They must decide by 18 July.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries says this is 68% of the overall target of getting boats out of the whitefish fleet, making more catches available as a result to remaining boats.
Mr Killeen said the aim is to make the industry viable for coastal communities depending on fishing.
It is another step forward in resolving difficulties following the announcement of improved relations between fishermen and the State inspection agency announced on Saturday.
