Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Jul 1992

Vol. 422 No. 1

Written Answers. - EC Common Fishery Policy.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

28 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine his views on whether the present EC Common Fisheries Policy has serious disadvantages for this country; and if he has any plans to negotiate changes in same when they come up shortly for review.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

37 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline (1) the preparations which have been undertaken by his Department due to the review of the Common Fisheries Policy, (2) the Government's aims and objectives in relation to the development of the fishing industry and (3) when it is expected to have the review of the Common Fisheries Policy completed.

Minister for the Marine (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 37 together.

The aim of Government policy in relation to the fishing industry is to maintain and strengthen its contribution to the national economy and, in particular, its contribution to the generation of growth and employment in coastal communities.

I think it is fair to say that the operation of the Common Fisheries Policy to date has been of somewhat mixed benefit to Ireland. Under the policy Ireland for example has been guaranteed specific quota entitlements, has enjoyed unrestricted access for its products to Community markets and has benefited considerably from the range of financial aids available to the industry.

It has to be stressed, on the other hand, that the Common Fisheries Policy inhibits the development of our industry, in-so-far as quota allocations fall short of what could be regarded as fair and reasonable and also in so far as Community fleet policy limits our ability to fully take up our existing quotas. On balance, therefore, I am of the opinion, and this is a view shared by the industry as a whole, that the application of the policy to Ireland has been unbalanced, particularly in relation to the key areas of quota allocation and fleet development.

As a means of addressing these serious deficiencies, I have, in line with the thinking of the industry's Whittaker Committee, formally submitted to Council a number of specific proposals designed to enable the Irish industry achieve a reasonable measure of expansion and development over the next ten years. My proposals have set out very clearly what I would regard as our rightful entitlements, in relation particularly to the critical areas that I have mentioned.

I can assure Deputies that, over recent months at Fisheries Council and in bilateral contacts with my Council colleagues, I have been strongly arguing Ireland's unique case for special consideration in the current policy review. I will continue to do so as the review continues during the second part of the year.