Brian O'Shea
Question:93 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the EU Fisheries Council meeting in Luxembourg on 25 April 2001. [12787/01]
Written Answers - EU Fisheries Council.
In addition to discussing environmental aspects of fisheries policy, the Fisheries Council received an initial presentation from Commissioner Fischler on the green paper recently produced by the Commission on reform of the Common Fisheries Policy – CPF. This represented the start of the political debate on CFP Review 2002.
I stressed that the Green Paper, as a discussion document, should stimulate a real and wide-ranging debate on the key challenges and future directions for the CFP. Commissioner Fischler indicated at Council his intention to encourage genuine dialogue and consultations with all the stakeholders over the coming months. This approach is to be welcomed. There will be a substantial debate on CFP reform at the next EU Fisheries Council in June. My initial reaction is to welcome the fact that a number of areas that Ireland has identified as priorities are reflected in the Commission's thinking. These include the need for enhanced conservation strategies; fleet policy which delivers sustainable balance between fishing and resources; more involvement of the industry and other stakeholders; regional advisory mechanisms; and fisheries control that is cost effective, transparent and equitable.
The Council also considered a number of specific initiatives to achieve increased sustainability of fish stocks. These include, in particular, a strategy for the integration of environment considerations into the Common Fisheries Policy proposals for setting total allowable fish catches and quotas on a multi-annual basis. This should permit a more effective application of precautionary fisheries management principles and techniques.