asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that restricted EC fish quotas are impeding the development of the fishing industry; and the action he proposes to take on the matter.
37.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Quotas.
39.
asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if he is fully aware that the reduced mackerel quotas are hindering the development of this fishery industry; the steps he proposes to take to overcome this difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Priority Question No. 39 and Question No. 37 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the shares of total allowable catches available to member states are enshrined in the EC Common Fisheries Policy. I should say that with the exception of one or two species, where small reductions have occurred, quotas available to Irish fishermen have generally either remained at a constant level or have increased slightly over the past couple of years. With regard to the 1987 fishing season, the Deputy can be assured that I will continue to press in the course of the negotiations for the maximum quotas for our fishermen.
The Minister of State will be aware that, because of the inadequate quotas that we have, incomes of fishermen are reduced, processing plants are not working to full capacity and jobs in the processing sector are also at risk. Will the Minister of State give some indication that it will be possible to secure an increased quota in view of the limiting effect the present quota has on the prospect of development in the industry and prospects of increasing incomes of fishermen at present?
I support what the Deputy says in every way possible. We hope that, as a result of negotiations which will take place to decide the quotas for 1987, the interests of Irish fishermen will be looked after in the best way possible. As the Deputy who acted in this capacity in 1982 will be aware——
That was a long time ago.
——we get a percentage of the total catch. That was acceptable at the time. Possibly the best way to benefit Irish fishermen would be if the total catch were increased and as a result the allocation to Irish fishermen would be increased. I doubt very much that other people within the Community would be willing to donate part of a tonnage or a percentage of their catch to Ireland at the moment.
We have not asked for that. I am asking if the Minister has sought to increase the percentage catch for Ireland in view of the fact that there are now limitations on expansion and development of the industry because we are so tied down with the percentage we have. In view of the fact that increased fishing performance has increased our catch over the past number of years, the case is now adequate to seek an increased quota at Community level. Will that be done by the Minister? Did he mention this to the Council? Will he raise this issue at the Council?
Yes, he will raise that issue at the Council. The Deputy is aware that a number of species are under a quota system. We will be encouraging fishermen to get out of fishing non-quota species because I can see the day when these fish which are now non-quota will become quota species also. If people do not get out and have a large catch of a non-quota species then when the time comes — I am not saying it will come — our percentage will be small in relation to the overall percentage or the overall take in the EC.
The Minister of State is right in what he says, but that is a separate issue. We are speaking about quota species. What is the present situation in relation to the mackerel quota which is totally and purposely inadequate now because of the increased catching capacity we have? There must be some case now at Community level to seek an increased quota. Is that case still made? Is the matter on the agenda for the next Council meeting?
I do not know what is on the agenda for the next Council meeting.
It is the Minister's job to know it and he should know it.
The Minister is dealing with the EC negotiations and I have not been presented with what is on the agenda for the next Council meeting. I have told the Deputy what is on the agenda for this Council meeting that we have already talked about today.
Is this on the agenda for this Council meeting?
As far as I am aware it is not.
Has an application been made to the Commission to have it raised at some stage?
Naturally enough it will be raised with the Commission when the time comes to decide on the quotas.
With respect, I do not think the Minister of State understands me. Can he give some indication that this matter will be on the agenda?
I can give a guarantee that it will be on the agenda.
We cannot have argument.
The Minister of State says he does not know what the Minister has on the agenda.
I have already indicated to the Deputy what is being discussed at the Council meeting which is in progress at the moment in Brussels.
This is not on the agenda?
This is not on the agenda as far as I am aware now. It may be on it.
Has the Minister of State seen the agenda?
I am not out there. I am here.
Is he representing the Minister?
One of us is out there. Is that not enough?
It is very unsatisfactory. Sir, I give you notice of my wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with Deputy Daly.
The quotas that were negotiated, small as they were at the time, were negotiated by the Deputy.