asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the funds, if any they have recovered from the EC towards the operating costs of fishery protection in EC waters on behalf of member states; whether there is any reason the Hague EC Council decision of 1976 should not be interpreted to mean that Ireland's share of the cost of protection shall be no greater than its share of catch in the EC waters protected by them (or 20 per cent) and the remaining 80 per cent is recoverable from EC member states; and the steps, if any, which can now be taken to recover those costs over the proportion of Irish fishing benefit arising.
Written Answers. - EC Fishery Protection Funds.
91.
My Department has not received any funds from the EC towards the operating cost of fishery protection. I understand that the EC does not, as a matter of principle, grant subventions to member states towards such costs and that any aid payable has been given only for capital purposes. The question of obtaining further assistance towards the cost of fishery protection from the European Community is currently under examination.