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Fishing Industry Development.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004

Thursday, 1 April 2004

Questions (23)

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

17 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to undertake a similar study to that recently undertaken by the British Prime Minister’s strategy unit into the future of the UK fishing industry; if he can confirm whether the UK Government has made any contact with his own Department with regard to its report on the matter; and if its proposals to further restrict UK fishing activity, to try to reverse the decline in fish stocks, may lead to pressure on the Government to adopt similar policies in our shared sea areas. [10306/04]

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Written answers

In line with the programme for Government I am committed to setting out a long-term strategy for the sustainable development of the Irish fishing industry. A number of major policy developments are under way which, when completed, will substantially chart the way forward for the sector.

There is clearly an overriding EU dimension to fisheries policy and the development of national strategies in this area must have regard for the policy and strategies set out at EU level within the Common Fisheries Policy. Accordingly, the adoption of any new policies or proposals at national level, such as those advocated in the UK report, do not operate at a bilateral level between member states.

As part of a widespread consultation process undertaken by the report's authors, officials of my Department met representatives of the strategy unit last year. This meeting involved a general discussion on the key themes and challenges facing European fisheries. There has been no other specific contact or communication made by the UK authorities with my Department in relation to the contents of the report, either in the course of its preparation or since its publication last week.

The fisheries sector has been the subject of significant change in the past two years at both EU and national level. At national level a number of developments came together over the past year that has resulted in fundamental changes to sea fishing boat licensing. These involve the enactment of legislation to provide for the establishment of a legally independent licensing authority including an independent appeals system. I also introduced a new licensing policy, following intensive consultation with stakeholders, that ensures an open and transparent policy.

As a consequence of the CFP reform completed in December 2002, a number of major policy changes and developments are now being implemented in key areas. These include a longer-term, strategic approach to preservation of fish stocks, strengthened control and enforcement, modified structural aid, new fleet policy constraints and new provisions for stakeholder involvement in decision-making.

When fully in place, these radical changes will transform the policy underpinning the sector and will provide the necessary backdrop to the detailed process of framing a long-term perspective for ensuring a sustainable future for the Irish fishing industry.

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