Vol. 446 No. 3
219 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine the position with regard to the removal of the Irish Box, thus permitting Spanish vessels to fish up to the Irish 12 mile limit; if he is aware of the serious consequences for Irish trawlers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2133/94]
The matter is linked to the current negotiations on the detailed implementing measures under the new framework regulation on fisheries accession. This was formally adopted by Council on a majority basis in May of this year. Ireland alone voted against adoption of the regulation because of a number of specific concerns and, also, to give the strongest possible signal of the importance which Ireland attaches to the issue.
The Commission's subsequent proposals on the implementing measures proved unacceptable to the Fisheries Council in September and the Presidency invited alternative proposals from member states. The Irish proposal, in response, addresses our particular concerns and is designed to ensure that the system to be adopted will provide for effective control and the necessary future safeguards.
A key element of our proposal addresses the need to give continued priority and protection to sensitive zones such as the Irish Box, given the fragility of stocks, the need to preserve balance between resources and fishing effort and taking account of the socio-economic needs of coastal communities particularly dependent on fishing.
Negotiations on this issue will be difficult but I am determined, given the crucial importance of this issue for the Irish fishing industry, to ensure that the best possible outcome is secured.
