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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1986

Vol. 363 No. 13

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Resources.

8.

asked the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Tourism if he will make a statement on the fishery resources now available; if these are adequate resources in view of the recent accession of Spain and Portugal to the EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

35.

asked the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Tourism if he will make a statement on the operation of the Common Fisheries Policy since enlargement of the Community; and the additional measures being taken to protect our fisheries since enlargement has taken place.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 35 together.

I would like to assure the Deputies that the terms enshrined in the Treaty of Accession of Spain and Portugal will ensure that Ireland's vital fisheries interests will be protected in the enlarged Community and that there will be contained scope for further development. The fishing quotas for 1986 negotiated at meetings of the EC Council of Ministers for Fisheries in December last are very satisfactory from our point of view. By comparison with 1985 quotas, the increases secured for 1986 are based on average values worth over £5 million extra.

As the Deputies are aware, responsibility for fisheries protection is proper to the Minister for Defence.

First, I should like to wish the Minister and the Minister of State well in their new Departments. There is always an element of surprise in fishing but it is very surprising how both Ministers got hooked in this Department. However I wish the Minister well for the few days I hope he will be in office. Is he aware of the widespread anxiety in the industry that enlargement of the Community will mean a sizeable reduction in the amount of financial aid available for modernisation and for restructuring the fleet? Is he aware that the quotas are totally inadequate and that the industry is genuinely depressed, worried and anxious about the present situation? Will he undertake an immediate review of the quota arrangements to see how that matter can be improved and to ensure there will be no loss of revenue in the enlarged Community for development of the fisheries infrastructure?

I thank the Deputy for his kind remarks initially. I would point out that my first position when in Opposition was as spokesman on Fisheries, so this is not a totally new experience for me. The quotas which have been achieved for the present year, even after the enlargement of the Community as a result of the entry of Spain and Portugal, represent an increase of £5 million to the fishermen, which I consider a very good result of the discussions in which my predecessor participated in the December Council. In my new role I will certainly take account of the situation in regard to fishery quotas for Irish fishermen in the months ahead when these come to be discussed again.

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