Vol. 470 No. 7
284 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine the likely impact of EU agreements on the Irish fishing industry; the likely developments arising out of such agreements over the next three years; the time scale associated with such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19972/96]
Current policy developments at EU level, as well as nationally, will continue to have an impact on developments in the Irish fishing industry over the next three years. EU and national support for investment in the industry will continue up to end 1999 under the present Operational Programme for Fisheries with consequent economic benefits for the sector. Decisions at EU level on improved control and conservation measures are expected to have positive impact for fishstocks in the short to medium term. Fleet development will be influenced by existing constraints and opportunities. Annual EU agreements on total allowable catches for quota species together with the outcome of present discussions on overall EU fleet capacity objectives for the next three years will in particular set the framework for developments in the catching sector up to 1999.
