Vol. 560 No. 1
570 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to improve the common fisheries policy along with other EU Ministers to take account of the need of the Irish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2148/03]
Following protracted and difficult negotiations at the December Fisheries Council, agreement was ulti mately reached by EU Ministers on a new basic CFP regulation which will govern EU fisheries policy over the next decade.
The reform package contains many of the recommendations of Ireland's national strategy review group. In this regard, I draw attention to an action plan to address the problem of the discarding of juvenile fish catches, stronger control and enforcement, and new regional advisory councils giving fishermen a strong voice in shaping future fisheries policy at EU level.
Throughout the CFP reform process, intensive consultation was maintained by my Department with all the leading players in the Irish fishing industry. I am satisfied that this high level of consultation played a significant role in ensuring a broadly satisfactory outcome from an Irish perspective.
I will continue to work intensively, in consultation with the industry representatives, to effect change to fisheries policy on an ongoing basis to ensure that EU policy takes account of Ireland's position and needs into the future.
