Vol. 524 No. 2
105 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when it is expected that the national Common Fisheries Policy strategy review group will finalise its comprehensive report on the key strategic issues which need to be addressed in the 2002 review of the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22030/00]
I understand the national strategy review group on the Common Fisheries Policy will be in a position to submit its overall report to me by the end of this month.
The review group has already produced a number of interim reports dealing with national investment priorities for the seafood sector, technical conservation measures, control and enforcement, regionalisation of the Common Fisheries Policy and fisheries management and the marine environment.
These interim reports were the result of detailed and painstaking analysis by the review group. As I have previously indicated to the House, I believe that the group is doing excellent work. The analysis is most detailed and thorough and the group's highly proactive, open and consultative approach at national and EU level is particularly noteworthy.
I look forward to the receipt of the group's overall report at the end of this month which will influence and assist the European Commission's current process of examination of how to move forward with the Common Fisheries Policy.
The group's report will also make a significant input into my overall strategy of influencing the debate on the 2002 review at an early stage. That debate will intensify next year following the publication by the Commission of its own Green Paper early next year. I am satisfied that there will be an excellent understanding of Ireland's position in relation to the CFP and the work of the review group has, and will, considerably assist that task.
