Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
63 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the value of fish catches by Irish fishing vessels and others in each of the past five years; the extent to which the value is likely to fluctuate in the future with due regard to likely conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19271/04]
View answerThe value of landings by all Irish fishing vessels for the last five years for which statistics are available are as follows: 1998 —€192.3 million; 1999 —€189.5 million; 2000 —€189.0 million; 2001 —€253.6 million; and 2002 —€209.9 million. It is difficult to make forecasts as to the extent to which this value is likely to fluctuate in the future as it is dependent not only on volume of catches, but also on market conditions. At European level, I am working with the Commission and my European partners to secure the ongoing viability of stocks through measures such as the environmentally-friendly fishing initiative, effective control across all member states, and targeted stock recovery plans. At national level, my Department will continue to work with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the fisheries development agency, to further the development of the sector.
