Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 6

Written Answers. - Payments to French Fishermen.

Godfrey Timmins

Question:

51 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine his views on whether the payments being made to French fishermen by the French Government are in accordance with the rules of the EC in view of the fact that these fishermen are in open competition with Irish fishermen who are not in receipt of any such financial aid; and, if these payments are not legal, the way in which he intends to deal with this.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

Responsibility for assessing the legality under Community law of any financial initiative taken by a member state rests with the European Commission. I have recently been made aware of allegations that the French Government is providing aids to its fishermen which do not comply with Community law. In view of the concern expressed on the matter, I have initiated inquiries into the matter.