Vol. 484 No. 4
40 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the way in which he will ensure the maximum recognition within the EU of our entitlement to a maximum total allowable catch for horse mackerel and Greenland capelin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22230/97]
51 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the way in which he will ensure the maximum recognition within the EU of our entitlement to a maximum total allowable catch for horse mackerel and Greenland capelin. [22231/97]
57 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the way in which he will ensure the maximum recognition within the EU of our entitlement to a maximum total allowable catch for horse mackerel and Greenland capelin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22229/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 51 and 57 together.
The first time allocation of national EU quotas of the total allowable catch for horse mackerel will be discussed at the Fisheries Council next week. If quotas are agreed this year they will be the basis for distribution in future years.
The horse mackerel fishery is increasingly important for the pelagic segment of the Irish fishing industry and I will be seeking a quota for Ireland in this fishery which reflects our track record to date. This is also an important fishery for a number of other member states who will equally be seeking to get the best possible deal for their fishermen. There will be a very tough battle to be fought at Council to maximise Ireland's share of horse mackerel.
An unallocated EU allocation of 55,150 tonnes of Greenland capelin has been negotiated as part of a fisheries agreement with Greenland which will also be considered at the Fisheries Council. Under the agreement member states may apply to Greenland through the Commission for a licence to fish this stock. I understand that BIM has already been in contact with the industry to establish who would be interested in and capable of participating in the fishery next year. My Department will be working to progress licence opportunities for any interested parties with the Commission in the coming months.
