Vol. 403 No. 9
9 Mrs Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the details of the methods of enforcing EC fish quotas in Ireland and other member states; and if he has satisfied himself with the enforcement procedure.
(Limerick West): The first step in the enforcement of EC fish quotas is the monitoring of landings both qualitatively and quantitatively. This task is carried out by my Department's inspectors at landing ports around the coast.
As part of this procedure, catches by fishing vessels at landing ports are subject to inspection by my Department's inspectors. All vessels greater than ten metres in length are required to carry EC log books in which catch details are recorded. Completed log book entries must be passed on to my inspectors within 48 hours of landing. However, vessels greater than ten metres but not more than 17 metres in length need not have a log book on board for fishing voyages of 24 hours or less but must, nevertheless, make a declaration to my Department of fish landed. The licence conditions imposed on all vessels operating in controlled or quota fisheries are a further means of ensuring the orderly and effective exploitation of fish stocks.
When a quota as set by the EC is reached, the fishery is closed by ministerial order. The closed fishery is then policed (i) at sea, on behalf of my Department by the Naval Service and (ii) at landing ports, by Department of the Marine officials. Boats which continue to fish in contravention of a closure order are subject to prosecution.
The actual detailed methods of enforcement in other member states are primarily matters for the relevant authorities in those states. All states are required to manage the quotas allocated to them, to enforce the various technical conservation measures adopted and to implement log book regulations, etc.
The effectiveness of enforcement and fisheries surveillance in member states is subject to review by the EC Commission. EC inspectors visit member states from time to time and report on the level of compliance with EC Regulations. The Commission may initiate court proceedings against member states for alleged non-compliance. I am satisfied with the workings of the current enforcement procedures in Ireland.
Individual fishermen and representatives of fishermen's organisations do on occasion complain that the practices and levels of enforcement are uneven across the Community. This is a concern which I share with colleagues in the Council of Ministers and which is pursued with the Commission on an ongoing basis.
I thank the Minister for his reply. I am satisfied with the enforcement procedures conducted in Ireland and it is part of my concern that similar procedures are not being conducted in other member states. Will the Minister say how often this matter is discussed at EC level? In relation to the allocation of quotas, is the Minister aware of the significance of member states applying for — and getting — very small quotas for certain species in different zones which entitles them to go into the zones and fish the species? However, the right of entry to the zones does not mean they are taking out more than the quota and, in some cases, more than the allowed quota is being fished in those zones. Is the Minister aware that in other member states the same level of vigilance is not being maintained and that greater catches of species are being landed in other member states of the EC? What action does he propose to take to stop this practice which is depriving our industry of its resources?
That is a very long series of questions.
(Limerick West): This matter is raised on a regular basis at Council meetings and at meetings between officials of my Department and the Commission. Indeed, the Commission has been asked by a high level group to report on this matter with a view to ensuring that the system is fair. This proposal has not yet been adopted and it has been pointed out on a regular basis to each member state that they have an obligation in law to respect and enforce the Community's regulations. I assure the Deputy that the Minister for the Marine and I have, on regular occasions, emphasised to the Commission the need for uniformity in policing EC waters.
Will the Minister agree that it is time for the EC to put in place a proper enforcement procedure in relation to the fishing of quotas? It is all very well to talk about reports but, while they are being compiled, laws are still being breached by member states and Ireland are losing out most by this. Will the Minister tell the House if there are any plans by the Government to impress on the Commission the need for a very definite enforcement and policing procedure? Have the Department made any proposals regarding that matter to the EC?
(Limerick West): As I have already stated, the obligation is on each member state to enforce the regulations laid down by the EC. Furthermore, the necessary action can be taken by the Commission to see that the regulations are adopted and implemented. Indeed we saw evidence of that in the very recent past. The effectiveness of enforcement and fishery surveillance in member states is under review on a continuous basis by the EC Commission.
The time provided for dealing with priority questions is exhausted and we must proceed to other questions.
