Gerry O'Sullivan
Question:45 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine the action he proposes to take to prevent illegal fishing by non-EC boats off our coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Illegal Fishing.
I raised the question of illegal fishing activities by non-EC boats in Community waters at the EC Fisheries Council in Luxembourg on 18 April last. There was general support within the Council on the need to address this problem. It was agreed that the Commission, in consultation with the member states most affected, would examine this matter with a view to putting a mechanism in place to curb such illegal activity.
In this regard the Commission subsequently arranged a meeting with the relevant member states, including Ireland, at which arrangements were made for closer co-operation and the fast transfer of relevant information between member states affected.
I will continue to keep this matter under close review to ensure that all necessary steps are taken both by our fishery protection service and other Community countries to deal with this illegal activity.