andMr. Begley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has estimated the potential loss of jobs in the fishing industry if Ireland enters the EEC; and, if so, if he will give details.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Industry Jobs.
27.
As the Deputies are aware, the question of maintaining our exclusive fishery limits is being actively pursued in the negotiations for our entry into the EEC. Pending the outcome of the negotiations, I do not accept the Deputy's assumption that there will be a loss of jobs in the fishing industry on entry into the Community.
Why are we trying to negotiate better terms so?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of a statement issued by the EEC Information Service of the Department of Foreign Affairs that:
Common access to fishery waters would however create grave difficulties for the Irish fisherman.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of that statement and that if we do gain access to the EEC under the present fisheries policy of the EEC there will be a large-scale loss of jobs? Has his Department estimated the numbers involved?
I am aware of what Deputy Collins has brought to my attention but we are negotiating for a 12-mile limit which would not cause the present position to be altered. Therefore, we look forward to an expansion in the fishing industry rather than a loss of jobs.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs that our fisheries are bound to suffer but that in the overall we would come out better in the long run? Surely that means that fishermen are being sacrificed? Does the Parliamentary Secretary know what the Minister for Foreign Affairs is saying?
I certainly know what the Minister for Foreign Affairs is saying. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is head of a negotiating team and he is seeking a 12-mile limit. We sincerely hope and expect that our negotiating team will be successful in this and we have every confidence in them.
If he does not get that, will there be a loss of jobs?
That is a hypothetical question.
The Parliamentary Secretary made a positive statement that under the terms of the EEC, as of now, there would be an expansion in Irish fishing.
We sincerely hope that the expansion which is there will continue and we have every confidence in this.