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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Joe Costello

Question:

164 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Franz Fischler, regarding the outcome of the December Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels; when he next plans to meet the Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1806/03]

I assume that the Deputy's question refers to the Irish Box. I have been in continuous contact with Commissioner Fischler on the question of the Irish Box. At Monday's Fisheries Council, I formally included the Irish Box issue on the Council agenda. At the meeting, I outlined to my colleagues and to Commissioner Fischler the urgent necessity of achieving an early resolution of this issue that recognises the biological sensitivity of the Irish Box and its importance to the Irish fishing industry.

The Greek Presidency and the Commissioner are fully aware of the importance which Ireland attaches to this issue. I will continue in the period immediately ahead to press for changes which I am seeking in the Commission's proposal for western waters. These involve the establishment of the Irish Box as a sensitive zone, the establishment of effort limits for the box based on recent fishing effort history for each member state, including Spain, and the continuation of the fishing effort regime for the rest of western waters as at present.
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