asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any further submissions have been made to the EEC for further finance for fishery protection; if the Government intend to make a submission since the decision of the European Council to give 46 million EUA's (IR£31.2 million) was for the period January 1977 to 31 December 1982; and if he will give details of the submission made and of any meetings or discussions he has had on this matter.
Written Answers. - Fishery Protection.
533.
The EEC Council in its decision of 25 July 1978 agreed to provide a fixed contribution of 46 million European units of account (approximately £31 million) towards the cost of increasing Irish fisheries inspection and surveillance capacity in the period 1 January 1977 to 31 December 1982. In a reference to the period after 31 December 1982 that decision stated that the Council shall take a decision before that date on the question of Community participation as and from 1 January 1983.
The Commission has not yet put forward for consideration by the Council proposals to cover the period after 1 January 1983 but when it does every effort will be made to secure the greatest possible assistance for surveillance measures.