Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - Community Fish Market.

Bernard Allen

Question:

277 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the influx of cheap white fish from Poland, Norway, Russia and Iceland; and if he will ensure that the European Commission introduces measures to improve prices.

Robert Molloy

Question:

283 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, being taken to protect the community fish producers against the current crisis in the community market for fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 283 together.

I am extremely concerned at the difficulties currently being experienced on the Community whitefish market and am keeping the matter under close review to ensure that all possible steps are taken to resolve the problem.

The Deputies may know that the Community recently invoked the system of minimum prices at point of entry in respect of monk, hake, cod, haddock, saithe, and, more recently, Alaska pollack, in response to pressure from a number of member states, including Ireland. This minimum prices system will remain in force until the end of June.

I should, however, point out that this system will be successful only if the prices are monitored carefuly. At last Thursday's meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers the Minister of State, Deputy Gerry O'Sullivan emphasised this aspect to other Ministers and called on them and the Commission to ensure that this monitoring be done.

The Council also instructed the Commission to consider extending the minimum prices regime to species other than those mentioned above and, making proposals for a better control of direct landings from third countries in Community ports.

In addition, the Commission will establish contact with the third countries involved so as to control and stabilise imports into the Community.

Finally, I would point out to the Deputies that I am taking a very serious view of any damage caused to consignments of Irish fish as a result of the current difficulties. I have already been in touch with my colleagues in other member states with a view to ensuring that protection is afforded to shipments of Irish fish through their countries.

The Minister of State had a special meeting last week with the French Minister at which he protested strongly against the aggressive actions of French fishermen over the past weeks. I am happy to be able to inform the House that, as a result of that meeting, we have had strong assurances from the French Minister that all possible measures will be taken to ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future.