Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

107 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to initiate any changes at EU level to ensure an improved position in terms of species protection and improved income prospects for Irish sea fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4173/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

It is a key priority for the Government to maximise fishing opportunities and, therefore, incomes for the fishing industry and to ensure that all fishing vessels fishing in our waters are strictly monitored and controlled both at sea and in port.

I will continue at EU level to press other member states to co-operate more closely on and to demonstrate real commitment to fisheries control and enforcement. I have also been pressing the Commission to expedite new proposals aimed at enhancing existing fisheries control measures. I won agreement last October to the introduction of new EU conservation measures which are designed to protect juvenile fish stocks and spawning grounds. In the annual negotiating round on the total allowable catches for fish stocks, my stated policy objective is to ensure increased quotas for Irish fishermen through the setting of TACs at a level which, while taking account of the conservation imperative, reflects the economic needs of fishermen.

Existing and proposed EU agreements with third countries provide increasingly valuable access to fishing grounds for member states' fishing fleets. The Irish fleet already benefits from agreements with Norway the Faroes and Greenland. Ongoing Commission proposals for new agreements are being monitored closely, in consultation with the industry, to ensure that potential benefits for the Irish fishing fleet are realised.