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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 2

Other Questions. - Common Fisheries Policy.

Michael Ring

Question:

8 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the status of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy which is due in 2002; and the key objectives of this review. [3566/00]

Under the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, 1992, the review of the CFP in 2002 could be legally confined to a limited number of issues. However, I welcome the fact that the commission, at the request of the council, is undertaking a wide-ranging assessment of the changes needed right across the CFP to make it a more effective instrument. The commission has been asked by council to report on the state of fisheries and the fishing industry in the EU and on the operation of the Central Fisheries Policy before the end of this year. On the basis of this report the council will negotiate the changes necessary to the CFP.

The EU Commission has already carried out a wide ranging consultation process with fishing interests throughout the community involving a detailed questionnaire and direct meetings with fishermen in all member states. The Commission met the Irish fishing industry in Dublin, Cork and Donegal in 1998 to hear at first hand the concerns of Irish fishermen. I very much hope that these consultations will inform the Commission's report to Council.

The work of the national CFP strategy review group will inform and underpin our negotiating strategy for the 2002 review. The group which is widely representative of fisheries interests is undertaking a comprehensive examination of the CFP and its impact to date on the Irish industry. The work is well progressed and the group will report to me on strategy and policy recommend ations by the middle of this year. The work of the strategy review group will inform discussions with the Commission on Irish priorities for the review in advance of the Commission's report and will critically inform our negotiating position in negotiations up to and during the 2002 review.

Is the Minister aware that following the review done in 1992 a very comprehensive report was prepared for Dr. Whitaker? The Minister could extend that report and say that the same problems exist now. With regard to his submission, has a date been set for concluding his findings? Is he aware that although the 1992 report was submitted to Brussels, the results were very disappointing for Irish fishermen? Is the Minister more hopeful that a resolution to the quota situation will be found? Is the Minister aware that Spain and Portugal have applied for access to the North Sea after the year 2002 and that this access is likely to be granted? This will create further problems for the people engaged in fishing.

I do not have a definitive date for the completion of the review. It would be wrong for me to anticipate the findings of the review group. I intend to meet the group at an early stage and to consult widely with all aspects of the industry with a view to informing myself about the various mechanisms that operate in Brussels.

We face a tough task. I agree with the Deputy that we require more than we achieved in the past. This matter is my first priority. I will prepare a comprehensive case with my officials. Our case will be well prepared and scientifically supported. Ireland's case is stronger than that of other European countries and it will be put forward as effectively as is within my power.

I am aware of the Spanish and Portuguese efforts and their demands will be monitored closely. There will be some hard negotiations on this matter.

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