Vol. 498 No. 2
132 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will consider the merit of a days in port quota to replace the present quota system which he acknowledged as contributing to a high level of discarded or dumped fish. [26944/98]
133 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will introduce local stock management plans, with input from local fishing communities, with vessel tonnage in future being allocated to specific ports on the basis of sustainable catch level of local stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26945/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
The proposals put forward by the Deputy would involve a radical change in the approach to fisheries organisation and managements; at both national and EU levels. I am, needless to say, open to any proposals that could benefit the Irish fishing industry.
I have established a strategy review group to inform Ireland's negotiating strategy in the context of the 2002 review of the Common Fisheries Policy. The terms of reference of the review group involve the carrying out of a wide ranging examination of current fisheries policy and it will consult widely in the course of its deliberations. The group will be seeking views and inputs from the public.
Should the Deputy wish to provide details of his proposals, I will arrange to have these considered by the group.
