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Fishing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021

Thursday, 17 June 2021

Questions (415, 416, 417)

Holly Cairns

Question:

415. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will increase the allocation of the mackerel quota to boats under 18m; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32750/21]

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Holly Cairns

Question:

416. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will increase the allocation of the mackerel quota for fishing by means of hook and line or line caught by vessels under 15m; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32751/21]

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Holly Cairns

Question:

417. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on proposals by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to Irish linecaught mackerel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32752/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 415, 416 and 417 together.

Management of the National Mackerel quota is set down in Ministerial Policy which has been developed and put in place over a number of years. The allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels using hook and line as a means of fishing was set down in Ministerial Policy in 2010. The Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation. This amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery.

The mackerel Policy sets down that the hook and line fishery for vessels under 15m in overall length receive 400t.

In order to amend Mackerel Policy, I as Minister must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect of policy, it would require due process involving an assessment of all issues arising, including full public consultation.

There has been for the past 20 years or so intensive competition within the industry for access to and a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU/U.K. Trade and Co-operation Agreement provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota by 2026 to the U.K. This will only increase demands for higher shares of Ireland’s quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet. It is worth noting that the 400t for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced. Unfortunately the situation is that if there is an increase for any sector, such as the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the EU/ U.K. TCA.

The National Inshore Forum prepared a paper requesting to increase for the hook and line fishery from the 400t limit to 3,000 tonnes and to increase the trip limit from 750kg to 1,500kg. An increase in the overall 400t limit is set down in Policy. The other elements of this paper and improved management arrangements for the fishery were discussed by the Quota Management Advisory Committee.

Question No. 416 answered with Question No. 415.
Question No. 417 answered with Question No. 415.
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