Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 6

Written Answers. - Irish Fishing Waters.

Richard Bruton

Question:

46 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine if, as a result of the failure of the Council of Ministers to make a decision in December 1993 on the Irish Box; the steps, if any, he intends taking to ensure the continuation of the Irish Box after 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

50 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine the matters discussed at his recent meeting with the Spanish Fisheries Minister, Mr. Loira Rua; if the matter of illegal fishing in Irish waters by Spanish vessels was discussed; the response he received; if he intends to introduce legislation to close off legal loopholes exploited by Spanish vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

52 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine the latest position regarding the proposed extension by the EU of access by Spanish and Portuguese fishing fleets to EU fishing waters in view of the failure to reach agreement at the meeting of fishery ministers of 21 December 1993; the steps, if any, he intends to take to protect Irish fishing interests, especially in view of the illegal activities of Spanish vessels in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Seán Barrett

Question:

85 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Marine if, as a result of the failure of the Council of Ministers to make a decision in December 1993 on the Irish Box, he will give the steps, if any, he now intends taking to ensure the continuation of the Irish Box after 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 50, 52 and 85 together.

I had a wide ranging discussion on fisheries issues during my meeting in Madrid with my Spanish colleague Mr. Loira Rua last September. In particular I stressed my own and the Government's deep concern about the level of illegal fishing by Spanish fishing vessels within the Irish Economic Zone. In this context, I emphasized my disquiet about the level of illegal activity by Spanish fishermen and pointed out that almost 50 per cent of all Spanish vessels inspected were arrested for serious fishing offences such as illegal entry, illegal gear and large quantities of undersized fish.

We also discussed the review of the terms of the Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Community. I underlined my intention to ensure that any changes made to the existing arrangements would reduce illegal fishing, enhance control and provide better protection for stocks.

In my previous statements to the House I have stressed the need to eradicate the use of hidden holds that has emerged among certain Spanish fishing vessels. For this reason I made clear to Mr. Loira my resolve to reach a satisfactory conclusion in the matter. I also expressed deep concern about alleged interference by Spanish fishing vessels with the fishing gear of Irish boats. Mr. Loira has agreed to examine the possibility of establishing a code of conduct relating to the use of different fishing methods.

As a result of our meeting, the Spanish Minister has agreed to the establishment of a framework for enhanced co-operation between the Irish and Spanish control authorities and more active monitoring of vessels engaging in illegal fishing. This will be achieved through: regular bilateral meetings at senior level, including inspection staff, exchange of information regarding detentions and warnings and commitment on mutual follow-up on information received. I would emphasize that Mr. Loira and I met as representatives of member states of the European Community, both wishing to uphold Community and international law. He confirmed his determination on the issues involved. While I stressed my own and the Government's absolute wish to make progress through dialogue, I emphasised that Ireland's position had to be respected and would be enforced.

As a follow-up to this meeting senior officials of the Department met with their Spanish counterparts and have agreed further measures for closer co-operation on the control and monitoring of fishing by Spanish vessels in the Irish Economic Zone. In addition, the Department is currently at an advanced stage of preparation of amending fisheries legislation and in that context, it is hoped that a draft copy of the Bill would be available for circulation by the end of this month.

As regards the latest position on the review of the terms of the Iberian Act of Accession, I would refer the Deputies to my replies to Deputies Creed and McGinley on 26 January and 1 February 1994, respectively.