I can assure the Deputy that the total allowable catch will not be settled until the December Council meeting. I can also assure him that I shall do precisely what I did last year, that is fight our corner to ensure that our fishermen are allocated a reasonable percentage of fish in the total allowable catch. We consistently put forward proposals to stamp out illegal fishing. I do not accept that any member state should be entitled to flout the law and during our Presidency of the European Union we will pursue a number of issues, including conservation proposals, technical conservation measures and further surveillance packages. We will also ensure that the reporting of the catch, a measure that is due to be implemented on 1 January 1998, takes place.
One of the principal problems facing us is the activities of flag ships crewed by Spanish fishermen under the British flag. I raised that matter with the UK minister whom I met in London two weeks ago. As a result of that meeting he agreed to his officials co-operating fully with ours to deal with this issue. I intend, as I have done before, to raise that matter with the EU Commissioner whom I will meet on 8 June and to ensure it will be addressed during our Presidency of the European Union.
I will take any steps I can to ensure regulations are adhered to and any further steps necessary will be taken to prevent the people flouting the law. My primary role in the fisheries area is to ensure Irish fishermen get a fair deal, given that going back to 1972 we did not get a fair one and have been struggling ever since to get one. I will not give up that struggle and will use every opportunity to ensure that the wrongs we suffered are redressed.
In terms of surveillance, I am impressed with the level of technology, the advances made in co-operation between the Air Corps and the Naval Service, the tracking methods in place, the information available and its transfer to make the job easier. We have made great strides and we are continuing to advance on our achievements to date. I will join the Deputy in doing all I can to assist the industry and to ensure our fishermen get their fair share.