Vol. 478 No. 4
18 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine the discussions, if any, he has had with his Spanish counterpart about the illegal activities of Spanish fishermen in Irish territorial waters and within the Irish economic 200 mile zone; if not, if he will hold such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7547/97]
I have had several discussions, both formal and informal, with my Spanish colleague, Minister Palacio, over the past 12 months on EU fisheries business generally as well as on matters of direct bilateral concern. I had a brief discussion with her in the margins of the Fisheries Council on 15 April when we agreed that a further meeting of officials at high level should take place in the coming weeks to review issues of mutual concern and to discuss fisheries control and enforcement issues in particular.
This follows a formal exchange of letters between the Spanish Minister and myself earlier this month in which we agreed to formalise ongoing contracts on EU and bilateral fisheries matters between the two administrations through regular high level bilateral meetings and enhanced contact and technical exchange between our fisheries inspection services. I believe that the enhanced communication and co-operation on fisheries control in particular which will result from these regular contacts will assist both administrations to monitor and control relevant fishing activity both at sea and on land. It will also contribute to better appreciation on the part of the Spanish authorities of our serious concerns about illegal fishing activity, irrespective of nationality, in these waters. The House will be aware from media reports in recent weeks that the Spanish authorities for their part have expressed concern about recent boardings and detentions of Spanish fishing vessels. In all contacts, at all levels, with the Spanish authorities on this particular issue we have made it clear that all breaches of fishing law detected in these waters will continue to be dealt with as appropriate, reflecting Ireland's commitment to deliver even-handed and effective fisheries surveillance and enforcement to protect fish stocks.
