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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 3

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

43 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress, if any, made in regard to the commitment given in An Action Programme for the Millennium to seek the banning from Irish waters of flags-of-convenience fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8008/98]

I have regularly underlined to the House my commitment to finding workable solutions to the flagship problem and in particular to mounting, through strict and intensive enforcement, an effective ban on the illegal activities of all fishing vessels, irrespective of nationality, in our waters.

I am continuing to address the flagship issue from three key strategic perspectives. The first is to ensure that the activities of flagships fishing in our waters are rigorously controlled and monitored at sea and on land. The second is to press the other member states concerned to play their full part in properly controlling and monitoring the activities and landings of flagships. The third is to work with the Commission and likeminded member states in order to ensure the necessary link between the economic benefits of national fish quotas and the coastal communities concerned.

While our own fisheries protection services at sea and on land are co-operating closely to ensure that fisheries protection and control operates with maximum effectiveness, there are particular enforcement difficulties associated with the activities of flagships. Other member states have legal responsibilities in this regard and I am continually pressing at European level for better practical co-operation between member states and a level playing field on fisheries enforcement. At last week's Fisheries Council, I stressed once again the need for collective initiatives in this regard and notably to deliver better monitoring and control of flagships to back up Ireland's endeavours as the coastal state most directly affected.

I strongly support the principle that there should be a demonstrable link between a fishing vessel and the member state in which it is registered, in order to ensure that the economic benefits of national quotas accrue to the relevant fisheries communities. Discussions are ongoing between the Commission and concerned member states on how best to achieve that objective commensurate with Treaty obligations.

I will continue to push both at EU level and directly with other member states to deliver workable solutions to the problems posed by flagships and their fishing activities in the interests of the Irish fishing sector and the viability of fish stocks in our waters.

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