I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 101 together.
Against a backdrop of declining whitefish stocks in particular and consequent restrictions on catch levels, the primary challenge facing fishermen and their families at the present time concerns the need for effective conservation measures to provide for the sustainable exploitation of these stocks into the future.
Ireland has been at the forefront at EU level in pushing for enhanced technical conservation measures to protect fish stocks. This issue was addressed in detail at a ministerial and stakeholders' conference on fast tracking the development of environmentally friendly fishing methods which I hosted in early March. The overriding consensus at this conference was that better and smarter fishing and the development of environmentally friendly fishing methods has a critical role to play in the fishing industry going forward. I intend, as President of the Council of Fisheries Ministers, to make significant progress on this issue during Ireland's Presidency of the EU.
This emphasis in ensuring sustainability of fish stocks will help to safeguard the future income of Irish fishermen. I would also highlight the fishing assist scheme which was introduced for the purpose of protecting the livelihoods of fishermen during periods when they are unable to fish and have very low incomes. This scheme represents an important element of support for fishermen and their families.