Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 1

Written Answers. - Future of Fishing Industry.

Ivor Callely

Question:

40 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine the long-term future for the Irish fishing industry; if the EU fishing regulations are in the best interests of the Irish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14925/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I have every confidence in the future of the Irish fishing industry and in the ability of Irish fishermen and processors to rise to the challenges facing the sector. I am committed to working with the industry to meet those challenges.

The EU Common Fisheries Policy is concerned with the orderly management of the industry and the conservation of EU stocks so as to ensure a future for the fishing industry. The main policy instruments used in the Common Fisheries Policy are fleet capacity reductions and quotas. Despite the constraints substantial progress has been made in recent years to enhance the economic contribution of the Irish fishing industry within the overall framework of the Common Fisheries Policy.

The operational programme for fisheries is providing for a total investment of £140 million in the industry in the period 1994-99 and will help to create up to 2,000 new jobs in processing and aquaculture, while maintaining jobs in the catching sector. To improve the efficiency and age profile of the fleet over £11 million has been earmarked for boat modernisation and the decommissioning scheme.

A thriving processing sector is the key in many ways to the long-term prosperity of the fishing industry. Increased demand for supplies of raw material will significantly underpin the economic viability of the catching sector. The Government's investment strategy for the processing sector has sought to underline this reality.

The single most serious threat to the future of the fishing industry worldwide and here at home is the depletion of fish stocks through over fishing. We must take a long-term view. Conservation of the resource requires careful management and constant vigilance in protecting and monitoring stock levels. Ireland has been at the forefront in seeking to ensure that EU regulations optimise the management and conservation of the resource and in pressing for tighter controls.

At next week's Fisheries Council I will again be stressing the vital need for unequivocal commitment by all member states to the conservancy and management principles, backed up by strict enforcement to ensure the long-term future of the industry. I know that I have the welcome support of the Irish fishing industry in pursuing those aims.

With their support I will continue to pursue policies both at national and EU level which will offer the best guarantee for sustainable development. The bleak results of over fishing elsewhere leading to the closure of fisheries and fleets tied up, send us a clear message. We must make sure that everyone gets the message and that we put in place positive steps to ensure the future of the industry.