asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to the recent report from Mr. Lardinois, EEC Commissioner, to the effect that the fishermen in the west of Ireland are paid the lowest prices in the EEC; and if his Department have any plans to improve the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Prices.
28.
I have seen the report in question. Historically Irish fish prices, with the exception of those for plaice, have been lower than prices in those countries which are now our partners in the EEC. This has been due mainly to our geographical position with resultant heavy transport costs to export markets and the limited home market for fish. Our landing prices however have increased substantially in recent years and since our accession to the EEC the differential between our average prices and those in the rest of the Community has been gradually reducing for most varieties of fish, largely because of the Government's policy of grant-aiding fish processing facilities and the work of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara in developing market outlets. I am confident that the recent setting up of the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation to operate the Community's market intervention arrangements for fish will help to improve further the returns to fishermen. I might add that in general prices received by fishermen in the west of Ireland compare favourably with those obtaining in the rest of the country.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us what withdrawal prices are in operation at the moment in relation to various species of fish?
The withdrawal prices in operation have been increased and are available in the Department. If the Deputy requires an up-to-date statement I will make it available to him. The position generally is that prices here are catching up with the prices obtaining in the EEC countries.