Irish fishing organisations say they are deeply opposed to cuts of 15% in catches of whitefish stocks around the Irish coast as proposed by the European Commission.
Annual fisheries talks have been taking place at the EU Fisheries Commission in Brussels.
The Minister for the Marine, Pat the Cope Gallagher, says the talks on catch fixing are proving difficult.
The cut would affect cod, whiting, plaice, haddock, herring, pollack and shellfish.
The commission also wants to cut by 15% the number of days on which Irish boats would be allowed fish in the Irish Sea and off the northwest coast.
Mr Gallagher had overnight discussions with the Irish fishing organisations, and held a bi-lateral meeting with the EU Presidency and commission to highlight Ireland's need for increases in key quotas.
The Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation, Lorcan Ó Cinnéide, said the EU should find an alternative to its failed approach on stock recovery plans.
