Vol. 422 No. 1
11 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the extent to which quotas for whitefish have been unexploited in each of the past three years; the steps being taken to ensure the further development of this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Unexploited whitefish quotas in 1991 amounted to approximately 19,000 tonnes, with an estimated value of £20 million. This compares with approximately 25,000 tonnes, with an estimated value of £22 million, in 1990 and 17,000 tonnes, valued at £12 million, in 1989. These figures represent the difference between actual catches and nominal quotas but need not in all cases correspond to real fishing opportunities.
In an initiative to address the problem of under-utilised whitefish quotas off the west and south-west coasts where real fishing opportunities, valued at some £10 million annually, exist, the former Minister and Tánaiste introduced last year a special whitefish boat licensing scheme to bring badly needed all-weather boats into the Irish fleet. In December last licence approvals were issued to 20 successful applicants. I am confident that the entry of these boats into the fleet will make a significant contribution towards the development of the whitefish catching sector and the take-up of Ireland's quotas.
In addition, the Minister has made a strong case for a relaxation of the restrictions on the capacity of the Irish fishing fleet to the European Commission in the context of the multi-annual guidance programme for the fleet for the period 1992 to 1996. Specifically, we have sought the addition of 5,000 tonnes to the Irish fishing fleet to allow for the further development of the whitefish sector of the industry. Discussions are continuing with the Commission on this matter.
Could the Minister give some indication as to the trend this year with regard to the catch? In his reply he indicated his confidence that the 20 additional licences would have an impact this year. Could the Minister indicate how the catches for the earlier part of 1992 compare with those for the earlier part of 1991?
I do not have the information requested. The additional boats, eight of which are fishing and three of which have entered the fleet but are not yet fishing, number 11 at present. Several of those boats are located in the south-west, in the Dingle area, as the Deputy knows. Increased landings have amounted to some 535,000 tonnes, valued at about £800,000. Those are the only figures available to give some indication of a trend. It is to be hoped that the trend will grow and will take up many of the under-utilised species. Deputy Barnes referred to that point earlier. Of course, that is one of the reasons that the Government are trying to obtain approval for another 5,000 tonnes from the Commission.
