Vol. 484 No. 4
48 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress, if any, which he has made in pressing the EU Commission for tougher measures of enforcement in order to ensure that fishermen landing their catch abroad cannot escape the law. [19009/97]
I have pressed Commissioner Bonino on the urgent need for the Commission to bring forward new proposals for EU tougher control measures to address the particular enforcement problems imposed by fishing vessels landing their catch into member states other than their state of registry. Effective co-operation by member states and demonstrable commitment by all to the task of delivering effective control is essential for Ireland as the coastal State most directly concerned. I have in particular pressed both the UK and Spanish Authorities to improve the monitoring and policing of such vessels.
I will be pressing Minister Cunningham, as incoming President of the Fisheries Council, and Commissioner Bonino to ensure that the new control proposals are expedited.
