Brian O'Shea
Question:248 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to ensure that the Irish 50 mile box is retained for Irish fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26311/02]
Vol. 559 No. 5
248 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to ensure that the Irish 50 mile box is retained for Irish fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26311/02]
A regime to limit fishing activity and access to western waters, including the Irish Box, was put in place in 1995 in order to provide for a rational and orderly exploitation of fishing grounds by all vessels, including the Spanish fleet. I am of the view that the provisions which govern conservation in the Irish Box should continue after the end of 2002. It is clear that the Commission has been of the same opinion in so far as it did not envisage an end to the western waters regime in its Green Paper on CFP reform or in the proposals for reform introduced in June 2002.
The legal opinion received from Council Legal Service at the end of October provides that the western waters regime expires as from 31 December 2002. This is contrary to the Commission and Ireland's previous view on this issue and in my view is incomplete and flawed. The advice of Ireland's legal services on the matter has been conveyed to the Commission and the Danish Presidency, and I will continue to contest the Council Legal Service opinion in Council this week.