Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005
148 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recent EU negotiations on fishing catches and quotas for 2005; his further views on whether the 27% cut in the Irish mackerel quota will be particularly detrimental to the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3583/05]
View answerThe outcome of the EU Fisheries Council in December was generally satisfactory from an Irish viewpoint. My overall focus in these negotiations was to secure a deal that gave Irish fishermen the best possible range of fishing opportunities for 2005, taking account of the socio-economic needs of the industry and the necessity to maintain a sustainable approach. Close liaison was maintained with representatives of the Irish fishing industry throughout the Council, and in my view this contributed significantly to the Council's outcome which has been broadly welcomed by the industry.
The overall volume of fish quota, both for whitefish and for pelagic species, is at a similar level to 2004. In aggregate, the total volume of whitefish is 33,273 tonnes and the total volume of pelagic species is 197,445 tonnes. I believe that the deal I secured is good for Irish whitefish fishermen all around the coastline where there are sizeable increases in the main whitefish earners such as haddock, hake, monkfish and Dublin Bay prawns.
While I acknowledge that the 27% reduction in the mackerel quota for 2005, which had been agreed between the EU, Norway and the Faroe Islands before the Council, is a blow to the industry in the short term, I believe that the impact will be softened somewhat by significant gains which I secured elsewhere, including a reversal of the Commission's proposed 20% cut in the horse mackerel quota and also a reversal in the proposed 15% cut in the Celtic Sea herring quota.
In addition, I secured a record blue whiting quota of over 75,000 tonnes which will create new catching and processing opportunities for the pelagic industry.
Overall, I believe the outcome of the Council to be a positive one which helps to maintain a balance between the economic needs of the Irish fishing industry and the need to preserve and rebuild key stocks.
