The Commission's proposal on additional financial aid for fisheries surveillance has just been circulated. The details of the proposal, including funding levels, remain to be negotiated and settled over the coming weeks and months. This development was noted at the Fisheries Council last week. Ministers reaffirmed last December's commitment to provide additional financial resources with particular reference to the considerable cost of EU fishery surveillance borne by Ireland. A specific budget line for our operating costs will additionally be provided for the first time. I also succeeded in getting Council to agree to a firm deadline of October for decision on the financial package.
The Commission has proposed a total envelope of expenditure of 205 million ECU over the five years beginning 1996 and has pencilled in a figure of 10 million ECU to assist with Ireland's operating costs.
In negotiating the details of the package, we will be bidding for the maximum possible allocation for Ireland based on our quantified assessment of the additional capability required at sea and on land. Given Council's acknowledgments of Ireland's particular surveillance responsibilities and given our track record of effective expenditue under the previous surveillance package, I am satisfied that the necessary resources will be forthcoming.
