Vol. 518 No. 6
99 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the responses he has had from the EU Commissioner for Agri culture and Fisheries, Mr. Franz Fischler, for a complete overhaul of the EU Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12919/00]
I had a very useful first discussion with Commissioner Fischler on the 2002 review of the common fisheries policy on 28 March last and I intend to have further regular discussions with him on progressing our current CFP priorities in conservation and control, as well as the prospects for change in the review itself.
I made clear to him my view that the CFP review should be seen as an opportunity to deliver much needed reform and overhaul to reflect the radically changing context in which the CFP must operate. I pointed out that, since the last review of the CFP in 1992, there have been fundamental global changes in markets, fishery management regimes and in technology which need to be reflected in the CFP. Commissioner Fischler confirmed that he is attaching a very high priority to the forthcoming review and his services are currently undertaking a comprehensive analysis which will result in the publication, by the Commission of its own report at the beginning of next year for council's consideration.
I also briefed the Commissioner on the national CFP strategy review group in which he expressed interest. We have facilitated a meeting between the review group and the EU Commission in Dublin next week, which will be an excellent opportunity to highlight the key strategic issues, as the group sees them, directly to the Commission.
