asked the Minister for the Marine when the sole quota for the Irish Sea will be fixed for the forthcoming year; if he will discuss the proposed quota in advance with the Howth Fishermen's Association, Dublin 13; if he will allow for a by-catch for the Howth fishermen during the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fish Quotas.
111.
The overall total allowable catch and consequently Ireland's quota for sole is expected to be fixed at the December meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers. I would, of course be willing to take account of any representations made by the Howth Fishermen's Association or any other fishermen's body. In this regard, I suggest that the association write to me or to my Department.
The management plan for this fishery for next year has not, as yet, been finalised but I would envisage that a by-catch for all Irish fishermen fishing in the Irish Sea would be part of such a plan.