Vol. 502 No. 5
16 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the extension of exclusive fishing limits from 12 to 24 miles; and the steps, if any, he is taking to have the decision of the European Parliament implemented. [8479/99]
25 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the strategy to be adopted by his Department following the recent favourable decision by the European Parliament to extend the area reserved for Irish fishermen from 12 to 24 miles. [8505/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 25 together.
The recent European Parliament report on the Regionalisation of the Common Fisheries Policy calls on the Commission to propose that the 12 mile exclusive fishing limit be extended to 24 miles for all member states. This proposition reflects the widespread recognition of the socio-economic importance of coastal fisheries for the communities they support. It also reflects concerns about conservation of fish stocks of vital importance to the coastal member state concerned. I fully share those concerns. The national CFP strategy review group which I have established to inform and assist our negotiating strategy for the 2002 review will be examining the scope for change in relation to the 12 mile limit, a more regionalised approach to fisheries management and the position of coastal fisheries as part of its wide ranging brief. In that context the group will be examining the proposals by the European Parliament and their implications for Ireland.
