Vol. 562 No. 4
139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his short, medium and long-term plans for the development of the fishing industry, having particular regard to the needs of the sector here and international trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6300/03]
The Government has identified a number of key priorities for the development of the fishing industry in particular and the seafood industry generally. In summary, these relate to how the Common Fisheries Policy should operate, the critical need to have a safe, modern and competitive Irish fishing fleet and also to position the sector to be competitive on an international scale.
In the context of the Common Fisheries Policy, the Government considers it essential that the CFP should operate in accordance with a number of central principles, namely: sustainable development; better governance; more stakeholder involvement, particularly by fishermen; and an increased emphasis on conservation and stock building. In the lead-up to the reform of the CFP these elements were high priorities and I am satisfied that we have made good progress in the agreed reform package.
A second key priority has been the introduction of a new fleet policy in order to maximise Irelands access to fisheries. The Government has recognised the overriding importance of securing a safe, modern and competitive Irish fleet and to this end some €95 million is being invested under the National Development Plan 2000 – 2006. Fleet development has been a particular implementation priority and the Government has delivered on this priority by approving 61 renewal and modernisation projects under the current programme.
In so far as a medium to long-term perspective is concerned, apart from the issues at European level, there are major challenges ahead for the Irish seafood industry generally. The future of the industry critically depends on competitiveness and will require change in technology, marketing, product quality and safety assurance.
