Vol. 464 No. 4
33 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Marine the extent to which the devaluation of the Spanish currency affected the price of Irish fish on the Spanish market over the past three years; and if he intends to compensate Irish fishermen in respect of their losses in the manner that Irish traders with Britain were compensated for the devaluation of sterling in the past. [8208/96]
The Spanish market is a vitally important outlet for Irish fish exports. Over 14,000 tonnes of fish worth over £32 million were exported to Spain in 1995. Consequently any factors which adversely affect prices in this market are of concern.
Since 1993 the Spanish peseta has devalued by some 7 per cent against the Irish pound with particularly large short-term fluctuations in early 1995. Over the same period the average value per kilogram of Irish fish exports to Spain has fallen by just over 11 per cent. The exchange rate fluctuations have doubtless contributed to this decline. However there have been other factors at work also, including recession in Spain, the quality of fish landed, competition from non-EU countries and supply-demand problems.
Imbalances in supply and demand recur frequently on the European whitefish market which is notoriously volatile. The European market overall between January and March of this year was very difficult for the whitefish sector although there has been a welcome improvement in prices over recent weeks. In that context, I underlined to colleagues at the Fisheries Council last Monday the importance of taking prevailing market conditions into account when agreeing annual tariff rates for fish imports from outside the EU. The right balance must be struck to safeguard the interests of Community fishermen while meeting consumer and processing industry demand.
34 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine the progress, if any, made in respect of his follow-up of specific concerns raised by Deputy Calley in Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 1 February 1996 regarding undersized fish from Irish waters on sale in Spanish fish markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7979/96]
As I explained to the Deputy in reply to his question of 1 February, it is very difficult to obtain proof as to where undersize fish or indeed any fish placed on the market have been caught. For that reason it is of primary importance that the authorities in member states act firmly and expeditiously to enforce conservation provisions.
In this regard the role of the Commission inspectorate is critical in ensuring that member states maintain strict observance of EU regulations and I will continue to press for Commission inspections to be undertaken in key geographical areas of concern.
Contacts have also been initiated with the Spanish ministry at official level with a view to regular high level liaison on this and other issues.
