Richard Bruton
Question:42 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he will take to deal with the alarming reduction of fish stocks in the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Vol. 436 No. 6
42 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he will take to deal with the alarming reduction of fish stocks in the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
52 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he will take to deal with the alarming reduction of fish stocks in the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
53 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he will take to deal with the alarming reduction of fish stocks in the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 52 and 53 together.
While I would accept that fish stocks in the Irish Sea are seriously depleted, I can assure the Deputy that the need to address this problem is being given a high priority. Since late 1991 my Department has been engaged in discussions with the UK fishery authorities on the introduction of conservation measures to safeguard and regenerate those stocks in order to preserve a sustainable livelihood for the fishermen who fish in those waters.