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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Ministerial Meetings.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

69 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the matters discussed at his recent meeting with the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Franz Fischler; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12916/00]

My introductory meeting with Commissioner Fischler on 28 March was constructive and wide-ranging. I outlined to the Commissioner my immediate and longer-term priorities for fisheries and forestry. The key areas discussed were: the need for transparency and a level playing field in fisheries control and enforcement across all member states; the conservation imperative and the need for enhanced technical conservation measures to protect juvenile fish and fish stocks generally; the case for radical reform of the Common Fisheries Policy to reflect, inter alia, the rapidly changing market and technological environment; the need, on conservation grounds, for early practical progress on a programme for observers on larger vessels in the EU pelagic fleet; the need for a tough stance by the European Union on behalf of Ireland and other member states in the north east Atlantic blue whiting negotiations; and in relation to forestry; the case for increases in afforestation premium levels for pre-2000 planting; and the eligibility of Coillte Teoranta for premium payments.

As a first meeting I found the discussions useful. I intend to have further bilateral meetings with Commissioner Fischler on a regular basis to ensure the critical issues for Ireland in fisheries and forestry are highlighted and progressed.

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