Paul Connaughton
Question:132 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the final decision will be reached on mackerel quotas for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3748/10]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2010
132 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the final decision will be reached on mackerel quotas for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3748/10]
View answer135 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the EU Norway negotiations in relation to mackerel fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3698/10]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 135 together.
A final decision on the mackerel quotas was predicated on the outcome of the EU Norway negotiations which concluded with an agreement yesterday evening. Indications are that a Commission non-paper will be presented shortly to the Council working group on Fisheries followed with a formal proposal to the same body soon after. The proposal will be adopted using "Written Procedure", which — allowing for legal and linguistic scrutiny and normal process — could be expected to take up to 3-4 weeks to be finalised.