Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
621. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to adjust the policy for allocating the mackerel quota given that the current 400 tonne quota for hook and line catch by the smaller inshore fleet has been already exceeded in 2021 and he has now closed the 2021 mackerel hook and line fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32974/21]
View answer622. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the policy of burden sharing post-Brexit and subsequent loss of fishing quota for Irish fishers has been responsible for the early closure of the 2021 mackerel hook and line fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32975/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 621 and 622 together.
The allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels using hook and line as a means of fishing was set down in Policy in 2010. The then 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 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 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.
In respect of the linkage between the early closure of the hook and line fishery and the EU/ UK TCA, the Deputy should be aware that the 400t for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced and has remained the same as in previous years.
Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase for any sector in the allocation made available, such as for the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the EU/ U.K. TCA.
