Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
136 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his key development priorities for the fisheries and acquaculture sectors as presented at the Fisheries Council in Brussels on 23 November 2004; the proposals which were made at the meeting regarding the sustainable development of inshore fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31275/04]
View answerAt the Fisheries Council on 23 November a policy debate was held on the Commission's proposal for a European fisheries fund, EFF, which will be the Structural Fund for fisheries for the period 2007 to 2013. In that debate I expressed support for the objectives set down in the EFF proposal, particularly those relating to support for stock recovery plans and the sustainable management of fisheries, support for the economic development of coastal areas and also aquaculture development.
In respect of the sustainable development of inshore fisheries, the proposed fund makes specific provision for measures to assist small-scale coastal fishing and the areas dependent on them. I believe that such measures can contribute significantly to the sustainable development of our inshore fisheries.
While consideration of the Commission's proposal is still at an early stage, I am encouraged by the level of support that I received from EU colleagues for the priorities, which I highlighted. I will continue to work towards ensuring that these developmental priorities feature strongly in the regulation to be ultimately adopted by Council.
