asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the large scale imports of low-grade, low-priced fish from third countries into the EEC; the amount involved; by what member states this fish is being imported, and if he will raise the matter urgently with the European Council and the European Commission in view of the disastrous effects of these imports on the livelihood of Irish fishermen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Fish Imports.
62.
I am aware of concern in the Irish fishing industry about the current reduced level of prices which is attributed to imports from outside the EEC. This matter has already been taken up with the appropriate bodies in the EEC. Information on recent importations of fish into the Community is not yet available from the statistical offices of member states.
Is the Minister satisfied that if we have to wait until we get evidence of the records the damage which is being done and has already been done will be perpetuated and continued in the meantime without let or hindrance? Waiting for records may not be the answer to what is an urgent, immediate problem.
Prices paid recently for fish are lower than they have been for some time and that has been the case for the past few months. There is a certain amount of doubt as to the reason for this. Imports from third countries have been mentioned but no figures for them are immediately available. It is felt that the 200-mile zones which Canada and the US have got may have made the US more self-sufficient and perhaps supplies from Iceland, Norway and Denmark that would normally go to the US have now come to the EEC markets. There is also a trend of opinion that suggests that Canada have caught a lot more fish because of their 200-mile limit and they have sent them at low price into the Community. I mentioned that at the last meeting. There is also the question that in return for permitting Community vessels to fish in Canadian waters Canada might be anxious to be allowed access to our markets with her fish. This is something we will have to keep a watchful eye on.
Surely the Minister is aware that the main fault at present lies in third countries importing fish into the EEC. It is scandalous to think that we are dumping Irish fish at present while fish are being brought into the Community. The Irish fishermen suffer drastically.
That is a matter of argument.