Michael Finucane
Ceist:27 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the success, if any, he has had with other member states regarding fisheries control and monitoring in those member states. [7801/98]
Written Answers. - Fisheries Monitoring and Control.
In the debate at the Fisheries Council last week on fisheries monitoring and control, I underlined to ministerial colleagues and the Commissioner the critical importance which Ireland attaches to ensuring a level playing field in fisheries enforcement and that I want to see demonstrable commitment and co-operation by all member states in the implementation of existing rules. I stressed that fishermen everywhere need to be convinced of the benefits of enforcement, in the first instance by demonstrating that the rules are being uniformly enforced and observed across the EU. Practical action to improve transparency and co-operation is essential to build a better climate of confidence among fishermen in the system which will lead to better compliance.
In separate bilateral discussions with the UK and Spanish ministers at Council, I pressed for improved co-operation and better information exchange on fisheries monitoring, with a view, in particular, to ensuring that the activities of flagships are verifiably controlled at sea and at points of landing. I will continue to work on all fronts for progress and co-operation by member states to deliver real improvements in the short term.