Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
138. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his Department officials will meet with several organisations (details supplied), following their withdrawal from the North West Herring Group; if he can confirm a date when such a meeting can take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51408/23]
View answerIn August 2023, I announced the outcome of the limited review of the 2012 Herring Management Policy in relation to the Herring 6a South quota for non-ringfenced vessels.
Following this limited review, I established a North-West Herring Advisory Committee (NWHAC), comprinsing one representative of each from the six Producer Organisations, one representative from the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, one representative from the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association and one representative from the Fish Co-Operative umbrella group. This committee would be supported by organisations such as, but not exclusive to, the Marine Institute, BIM and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.
The primary purpose of the NWHAC will be to advise me within the policy framework, in relation to the management arrangements of the Herring 6a South quota and fishery, including such matters as contingency and opening/closing dates.
I am aware that some members of the North West Herring Advisory Committee (NWHAC) have indicated an intention to withdraw from that Committee. My Department will work with the NWHAC and the relevant organisations in the first instance to address this issue.
