Vol. 535 No. 4
113 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the results of his discussions at the European Union Fisheries Council Meeting in April 2001 in Luxembourg; the benefits for this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12905/01]
In addition to the launch of a debate on the common fisheries policy reform, the Fisheries Council on 25 April discussed a number of specific initiatives on sustainability of fish stocks. In particular, these include a strategy for the integration of environmental concerns and sustainable development into the common fisheries policy discussions on the setting of total allowable fish catches and quotas on a multi-annual basis that should permit a more effective application of precautionary fisheries management principles and techniques. A biodiversity plan for fisheries and aquaculture was also progressed at the recent Council meeting.
