Vol. 458 No. 7
5 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine if he will comment on the fact that EU scientists are seeking further substantial cuts in several species of fish; and if he will make a statement on the proposal by the EU that 40 extra Spanish vessels may fish in Irish waters from 1 January 1996. [17547/95]
24 Miss Quill asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the measures taken to conserve and manage Ireland's fishery waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17536/95]
30 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he is taking, prior to the December Council Meeting, to secure substantial increases in fish quotas to allow the industry to survive. [17546/95]
32 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine the direct talks, if any, he is having with fishermen concerning the industry's problems as a result of Ireland's miserable share of the TAC. [17545/95]
73 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine his views on whether Ireland needs a far larger share of the total available catch if the industry and coastal communities are to survive; and the steps, if any, he is taking to address this situation. [17584/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 24, 30, 32 and 73 together.
By way of background I should explain that EU fisheries management, under the Common Fisheries Policy rules established in 1983, is essentially based on the concept of a total allowable catch for each stock of species in a given area.
Stock levels are assessed each year by EU and international fisheries biologists. On the basis of this scientific advice, the Commission draws up annual proposals for TACs for the various stocks. The final decision on the level of catches that can be made for the following year is taken by the Fisheries Council each December.
TACs are divided into national quotas according to the allocation keys agreed in 1983 and which guarantees a constant share for each member state in proportion to its relative historic catches prior to introduction of the quota system. This is the so-called principle of "relative stability" which is the hallmark of the Common Fisheries Policy. In addition, Ireland has special entitlements under the Hague Prefernce which can be invoked to increase Ireland's share in certain circumstances.
I do not need to remind Deputies that it is the long-standing contention, one which I fully endorse, that the overall share of fish stocks allocated under quota to Ireland falls short of a fair and reasonable level and fails to recognise the unique circumstances of the Irish fishing sector and the socio-economic imperative to address its historic underdevelopment. Successive Governments have pressed the case for increases in those allocations, most recently in the 1992 mid-term review of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Irish case remains on the table, is reaffirmed in the programme for Government and I will be again reiterating it at the forthcoming Council meeting. Deputies will also be aware, however, that any upward revision of the Irish quotas would mean reductions for other member states, especially the UK and France, which have major shares of the stocks in western waters. Such a change would require the support of a qualified majority of member states. At present, we have no support among other member states but we will continue to press the case strongly at all levels.
In the meantime, we continue to work closely with the fishing industry and fishing organisations in seeking to increase Ireland's fishing opportunities in the context of the annual round of decisions on total allowable catches. That consultation process is now under way in the build-up to next month's Council meeting which will determine the TACs for 1996. My overall objective in these difficult and tough negotiations will be to maximise the fishing possibilities for Ireland, while ensuring that conservation objectives are met through the setting of sustainable TACs geared to managing and protecting the long-term viability of stocks. Balancing the socio-economic aspect with the biological and other aspects of fisheries management is the big challenge for Ireland no less than for any other country.
The emerging assessment and advice from the scientists this year is that they are gravely concerned about the state of stocks. Big cuts in the TACs of most stocks are recommended yet again this year to let stocks build back up or even to prevent collapse. The scientific advice is currently being evaluated by the Commission as well as ourselves, the fishing industry and other member states. The Commission will unveil its own proposals based on this advice within the next ten days and intensive negotiations will get under way at EU level in early December. As I said, we will be working hand in glove with the industry in developing and negotiating Ireland's strategic position on every aspect of these proposals. This close liaison with the industry will go on up to and during the Council on 21 December.
The context within which we will work to maximise Irish fishing possibilities next year is enormously difficult. The reality is that there is an overall decline in the size of many fish stocks on which Irish fisheries depend. Council will have to seek to strike the right balance between biological and economic imperatives. Achieving that balance is anything but easy and there are tough decisions to be faced if exploitation rates are to be managed in a way which secures the future of stocks while allowing a viable level of fishing.
Will the Minister accept that we have the worst of both worlds? We have already dealt with our waters and the relationship between them and the total allowable catch. We have a low number of onshore jobs per fisherman and ageing and underfinanced fleet. On the question of conservation, hundreds of thousands of tonnes of immature young fish are illegally netted. I have information that there is a proposal to cut mackerel by up to 60 per cent to 80 per cent and to cut megrim by 29 per cent. What effect would that suggested cut have on a place like Killybegs?
Our task is not easy. We are torn between the need for conservation to ensure a long-term future for the fishing industry and the need to ensure a decent living for those involved in the industry. The Deputy mentioned mackerel and herring. I am conscious of the huge investment which has gone into large modern ships which are a great addition to the fishing fleet. We must not underestimate the achievement of those who have invested heavily and who are creating a considerble number of jobs as a result.
We are torn between conservation and total allowable catches. At the same time, we are operating from a low base because of our position since the early 1970s. This can be resolved in a reasonable way if all member states accept the need for conservation proposals and implement them. We cannot allow people take out all the young stock because that would destroy the future of the industry. It is in Ireland's interest in particular to ensure conservation proposals are accepted at European level and strictly implemented. We will continue to seek increases in our quotas, to have conservation proposals agreed and invest in our fishing fleet. I do not deny that some of our boats are old, but the fact that a boat is 25 years old does not necessarily mean it is not capable of fishing. Norway and Denmark experience similar problems in this regard. For many years we ignored the fishing industry, but we are doing something about it now.
From visits around the country I am very heartened by the development in the fish processing sector and we should not ignore the achievements in that area. One example is John West Kippers — a world-wide label — which are processed, canned and labelled in Donegal. That is a tremendous achievement.
Developments are taking place in processing and grants are available for such work. We are seeking resources to develop our harbours. Some resources are available and a plan has been devised, but we hope to receive further fundings. I recognise the potential in this area, particularly for communities who find it very difficult to get employment. Though we are starting very late, a great deal can be done.
I will hear a brief question from Deputy Smith. I am obliged to proceed to questions to the Minister in his capacity as Minister for Defence.
I do not wish to make your task difficult but we are dealing with a key national issue. It is scandalous that internationally hundreds of thousands of tonnes of immature fish are illegaly fished and then dumped back into the sea. That result is enormous economic loss and renders conservation measures ineffective. Is there a determination at EU level to deal with this problem? There is a proposed cutback on mackerel catch and that will have an impact on communities around the Donegal coast and so on, but the problems I have outlined are experienced on internationally. Is the EU determined to take action on that matter?
I share the Deputy's disgust at the level of illegal fishing and particularly the catching of under-sized fish. Ireland is the first country to lodge with the Commission improved conservation measures relating to minimum net and landing sizes. My officials and I will continue to press at EU level for implementation of those measures. That is the only way to ensure rules are followed. I will do everything in my power to ensure strict control of illegal fishing in our waters.
