Vol. 466 No. 2
48 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for the Marine whether Government reports on fishery matters that are made to the EU are made available to the fishing industry; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11070/96]
Ireland, with other member states regularly furnishes a variety of fisheries data, returns and reports to the Commission in line with legal obligations under relevant EU regulations and decisions. The fishing industry co-operates closely with the Department in meeting our national obligations in this regard.
The fishing industry is also fully consulted on and briefed about policy submissions made to the EU in developing and negotiating the national position on Commission proposals within the Common Fisheries Policy framework. Regular contact on operational and policy issues is maintained between fishing industry representatives and the Department through the sea fisheries liaison group which meets once a month. I also frequently meet the industry for discussions and exchanges of views on national and EU developments in the fisheries area. I attach considerable importance to maintaining a close working relationship with the industry and value its co-operation and support in the ongoing work of protecting and advancing Irish fisheries interests at EU level.
