Vol. 487 No. 7
146 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the outcome of the discussions or consultations, if any, he has had with the EU in relation to the proposal to ban drift net fishing; if he is seeking exclusion from directives in this regard, if so, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5270/98]
The Deputy will be aware that the UK Presidency has revisited a proposal by the EU Commission of some years standing and is proposing a ban on the use of driftnets in certain fisheries including the albacore tuna fishery. The UK proposal does not include driftnetting for salmon.
I am strongly opposing the UK proposal. The tuna fishery is a very important regional fishery for the south west. I do not accept that there is an objective scientific justification for such a ban. The Irish position has been spelled out to the Commission and to the UK Presidency in discussions to date in EU fora and in bilateral discussions at official level. I am writing to underline my position to Commissioner Bonino and to Minister Cunningham whom I intend to meet bilaterally on the issue in advance of the Fisheries Council next month. The fishing industry representatives have been fully briefed and are being kept advised of developments. I will continue to work with the Irish fishing industry, and with like minded colleagues in the EU, notably France, to ensure a satisfactory outcome on this issue for Ireland.
