Michael McDowell
Ceist:35 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for the Marine Ireland's stance with regard to the recent Canadian arrest of the Spanish fishing vessel Estai. [6640/95]
Written Answers. - Arrest of Spanish Fishing Vessel.
This issue was dealt with comprehensively in the reply given on my behalf to a question raised on the adjournment of the Dáil on 15 March and also in a public statement issued on that date. I also took the opportunity to fully brief the Seanad on the issue during the debate on marine policy last Thursday, 23 March.
We have consistently urged restraint and caution on both sides and are encouraging efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.
There is a range of issues involved.
First, the Union does not accept, and we fully support the Union's position in this regard, the right of Canada to extend its fisheries jurisdiction over fishing on the high seas.
Second, the Union quite rightly takes a very grave view of Canada's action in arresting and interfering with Union vessels fishing in international waters. Such action cannot be condoned.
Third, the Union and Canada are agreed on the need to conserve stocks and in this regard the Union with Ireland's support and despite strong opposition within the Union agreed to a major reduction in the Total Allowable Catch for Greenland Halibut in 1995.
Fourth, there is the matter of the allocation of the Greenland Halibut stocks as between the Union and other NAFO contracting parties. We support the Union's view that the NAFO decision in this regard to allocate 12.59 per cent to the Union with 60.37 per cent for Canada was inequitable.
Fifth, there is general agreement in principle that control and enforcement resources in the NAFO area must be improved. Ireland supports the need for better controls.
In conclusion, Ireland does not condone illegal fishing by the vessels of any nation and we are urging both the Union and member states to face up to their responsibilities in this regard.
We believe that with restraint and goodwill on both sides, an equitable durable settlement can be reached and urge both sides to work towards that end.