My first priority remains to ensure compliance with the conservation rules by all fishing vessels operating in Irish waters. To this end fisheries protection patrols are carried out by vessels of the Naval Service and aerial patrols by the Air Corps. In addition, the sea fisheries control division of my Department carries out port-based controls on landings into Ireland.
At EU level, I am continuing to press for the effective enforcement of fisheries regulations in an even-handed manner by all member states. The viability of the resource and the interests of fishermen depend on the compliance with the rules of all vessels fishing irrespective of origin. As a consequence of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy completed in December 2002, a strengthened control and enforcement framework was agreed. Within this framework, I will continue to work to push for and support control measures that deliver the necessary protection against over fishing and that support conservation measures generally.