Simon Coveney
Question:127 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will clarify the level of Spanish fishing effort and access into the new Irish Box area. [13737/04]
View answerWednesday, 12 May 2004
Questions (108)
Written answers
In accordance with the agreement reached last autumn, the Commission presented its proposal in March to establish fishing effort ceilings in the various western waters areas, including the new Irish Box area. The proposed effort ceilings are based on detailed historical fishing data presented by member states for the agreed reference period of 1998 to 2002. The level of fishing effort proposed for the Spanish demersal fleet for the new Irish Box area is set down in the Commission proposal and amounts to 5.642 million kilowatt days. The level of access for the Spanish fleet will be determined by the effort ceiling set down in the regulation.
As I have indicated in response to a similar question by the Deputy on today's Order Paper, the Commission proposal is currently being considered in detail by a council working group. This technical work is proceeding satisfactorily. Particular attention is being paid to ensuring that a number of valid methodological changes over the previous effort regime such as the inclusion of additional smaller vessels are being correctly reflected in the new regime.
The current focus is on the completion of this technical work, and ensure in the process that there is no increase in fishing effort by foreign fishing fleets in waters around Ireland generally, including the particularly sensitive waters off the south and west coast.
Once this technical work is completed and all required clarifications are available, the matter can be fully settled. I am working to finalise this issue before the end of the Irish EU Presidency and I will be seeking Council agreement at the June Fisheries Council.