Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
130 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the implications for the Government of the decision (details supplied) of the European Court of Justice of 18 November 2004 regarding the failure as a member state to fulfil obligations under the Community system for fisheries regulations regarding the exceeding of fishing quotas. [31235/04]
View answerThis judgment of the European Court of Justice relates to a number of cases of Irish fish quotas being exceeded in 1995 and 1996. The details of the judgment are being examined in detail by the Department. In the light of this judgment, the European Commission has asked Ireland to indicate by 22 January 2005 details of the measures that have been taken or will be taken to address the issues raised by the judgment.
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that the Department will urgently complete its examination of this matter and that a detailed response will issue to the Commission within the January 2005 deadline. The Department's response will focus in particular on the range of additional fisheries control measures that have been developed and implemented since the mid-1990s to address the system deficiencies that arose from the over-fishing cases in question.
I wish to stress the great importance which Ireland attaches to compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy. It is a priority objective of the Department and has underpinned major changes and improvements in the fisheries control and enforcement regime in recent years.
It is not yet possible to provide precise details of the implications of this judgment. Discussions will be held at the earliest possible date with the Commission to secure the necessary clarification on this and any other issues arising. I believe that Ireland will be able to provide satisfactory assurances on Ireland's enhanced fisheries control and enforcement regime.
