Vol. 400 No. 2
38 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the measures he sees as necessary to ensure the survival of fish stocks, particularly demersal species in the North Sea, in the context of his chairmanship of the EC Council of Marine Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There was general agreement at the Fisheries Council Meeting of 18-19 December 1989 that the disturbing situation of certain demersal stocks, particularly in the North Sea required appropriate conservation measures. The council therefore decided that a high level working party should examine the question and report back before 1 June 1990.
It was agreed that the Commission in the light of the conclusions of the high level working party would submit appropriate proposals to the council by 31 July 1990 at the latest.
The high level party which was chaired by the secretary of my Department has prepared a comprehensive report to the council and this is to be a major issue for discussion at the Fisheries Council Meeting scheduled for 27 June next.
