Vol. 506 No. 6
26 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the status of the Government's case taken in the European Court of Justice against the EU decision to ban drift netting for tuna; if the Government is supporting the tuna fishermen who first took the matter to the court and involved themselves in legal expenses; and his views on whether the case of the tuna fishermen would be stronger if the Government had initiated the action. [15960/99]
As I advised the House on 13 May last, Ireland's intention to intervene in support of the case taken by the French tuna industry against the drift net ban was notified to the European Court before the 7 February 1999 deadline. I understand a favourable ruling by the Court of First Instance on the admissibility of the plaintiff's application has now been made and official notification of the ruling is expected shortly. Detailed work on the preparation of Ireland's submission in the case is under way and my Department will work closely throughout with the Irish tuna fishing industry which also intends to intervene. I can assure the Deputy that a robust intervention by Ireland will be made in support of the case against the ban.
