(Donegal South-West) asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that markets for fish are very depressed at present; and if he has any plans at EEC level to try to resolve this serious position.
Written Answers. - Depressed Fish Markets.
415.
I am aware that for some time past the Community fish markets have been depressed and I consider that this problem can only be resolved in the EEC context.
The EEC Council of Fisheries Ministers has agreed on a total overhaul of the Community's market organisation for fishery products and the regulation giving effect to this revision came into effect on 1 June 1982. The regulation strengthens the role of producers organisations and affords them additional flexibility in their operations, improves the prices structure with higher compensation payments from Brussels for fish withdrawals and provides for tighter controls on low cost imports from third countries which have disrupted the Community markets in recent years.
I am hopeful that the new EEC markets regime together with recent indications of improved buoyancy in fish prices and increased landings will mark the start of an economic upturn in the industry.