Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - Canadian Fisheries Policy.

Peter Barry

Question:

153 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Marine if, in view of Canada's concern about over-fishing by EC Community vessels in waters near Canada, there is a danger of retaliation by Canada in Irish waters which would undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on catches here, despite the fact that Irish fishermen are not involved in operations of concern to any North American country; if he has advised his European colleagues of the dangers of such escalation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Dr. Woods)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that at the recent Annual Council of the North Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO) the contracting parties, which include Canada and the European Community, reached agreement on the level of Total Allowable Catches for all the NAFO stocks. For the cod stock, which was the cause of most concern to Canada, the Annual Council agreed on a total ban on the fishing of this stock in area 2J,3KL of the NAFO Regulatory Area for 1993. The question of retaliation by Canada in Irish waters has never arisen.