John Browne
Ceist:34 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make statement on the long-term future of the Irish fishing industry; and if EU regulations are in the best interest of the Irish fishing industry. [11052/96]
Written Answers. - Fishing Industry.
I have every confidence in the future of the Irish fishing industry and in the ability of Irish fishermen to rise to the very many challenges facing the sector. I am committed to working with the industry to meet those challenges.
The EU Common Fisheries Policy is concerned with the orderly management of the industry and the conservation of fish stocks so as to ensure a future for the industry. Despite the constraints substantial progress has been made in recent years to enhance the economic contribution of the Irish fishing industry within the overall framework of the Common Fisheries Policy.
The Operational Programme for Fisheries is currently providing for a total investment of £140 million in the industry in the period 1994-99 which will assist the creation of up to 2,000 new jobs in processing and aquaculture, while maintaining jobs in the catching sector. To improve the efficiency and age profile of the fleet over £17 million has been earmarked for boat modernisation and the decommissioning scheme.
In addition to current investment support strategies for the sector, I have asked the Department to specifically review, in light of all relevant factors, the future directions of fleet policy, including the relatives socio-economic and commercial merits of the introduction of new vessels into the fleet.
Looking to the long-term, the single most serious threat to the future of the fishing industry worldwide and here at home is the depletion of fish stocks through over fishing. Conservation of the resource requires careful management and constant vigilance in protecting and monitoring stock level. Ireland has been at the forefront in seeking to ensure that EU regulations optimise the management and conservation of the resource and in pressing for tigher controls.
At successive EU Fisheries Councils I have stressed the vital need for unequivocal commitment by all member states to the conservancy and management principles, backed up by strict enforcement, to ensure the long-term future of the industry. I know that I have the welcome support of the Irish fishing industry in pursuing those aims and which I intend to make the priority themes of the forthcoming Presidency.
With the industry's support I will continue to pursue policies both at national and EU level which will offer the best guarantee for sustainable development. The bleak results of overfishing elsewhere leading to the closure of fisheries and fleets being tied up send us a clear message. We must make sure that everyone gets the message and that we put in place the positive steps to ensure the future of the industry.