Vol. 484 No. 4
36 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the representations, if any, he has received from the Irish Fish Producers Organisation regarding possible rebalancing of controls on the price paid to producers; the consideration, if any, he has given to the representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22249/97]
As I understand it, the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation is calling for tighter controls at the sales end of the chain to target illegally caught or "blackfish" entering the Community markets. I too believe that effective and evenhanded control right throught the supply and demand chain, at sea, on shore and at transport and market points is essential for rational management of fisheries and the fishing sector as a whole. The Irish control and enforcement effort will continue increasingly to target all components of the distribution chain. I will also be pursuing the need for similar commitment by other member states.
The Community fisheries control system covers all aspects of the Common Fisheries Policy and Community control applies throughout the entire sector from the producer to the consumer. Primary responsibility for implementing the system rests with the individual member states.
The initial analysis of the EU situation presented by the IFPO merits consideration and debate and the Department will be taking forward the issues with the industry as a whole (both catching and processing) in the New Year.
