asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry in view of the widespread concern at the bold illegal activities of Spanish fishermen in Irish waters and the potentially grave implications of Spanish accession to the Community for the Irish fishing industry, if as the Irish Minister for Fisheries he will be demanding solid guarantees from the Madrid Government that upon entry they will undertake to control the maverick elements in the Spanish fleet and prevent poaching in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Control of Spanish Fishermen.
650.
It is already accepted by Spain that accession to the European Communities involves full acceptance of the principles of the Common Fisheries Policy. Spain is therefore aware that following accession the fishing fleet will be subject to the controls at present in force for all member states. These include control not only at national level but also at central level by the EC Commission. The latter entails regular submission of catch details and inspection on the ground by EC inspectors.