Once total allowable catches are established and allocated at EU level as national quotas between member states, their subsequent management is a matter within the sole responsibility of each member state. Such a division in responsibility is appropriate and enables member states to manage their national quotas to take account of the specific characteristics of their fisheries. Accordingly, it is to be expected that differing quota management systems will operate in different member states.
Our existing whitefish quota management system is designed to ensure, having regard to fishing patterns and market conditions, the best possible spread between fishermen and also in terms of take-up of quota during the year. A key objective is the avoidance of early closure of fisheries through rapid exhaustion of quota. Under the current arrangements in Ireland, fishing industry representatives are invited each month to an advisory committee on whitefish quota management and their views are taken into account in the determination of monthly regimes for particular stocks.
To date Ireland's whitefish quotas have been regarded as national assets and, as such, they are treated as a public resource that is available to all fishing vessels which are licensed to fish the particular stock. In contrast, in some other member states, systems have evolved whereby quotas have become a commodity and are purchased by vessel owners. It is, effectively, a privatisation process, with which the Deputy would not agree.
My Department is currently examining quota management generally and I expect to receive a report shortly. Any future quota management system must be consistent with the need to fulfil the various legal requirements on member states to manage and respect their national quotas. It also must be capable of ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of quota among Irish fishermen.