Seán Ryan
Ceist:41 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the outcome of his recent meeting with the Dutch Fisheries Minister. [16684/00]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
I met Minister Faber, the Dutch Fisheries Minister in Galway on 18 May. This was an introductory meeting and was a useful first opportunity to exchange views on fisheries matters of bilateral concern as well as EU developments. We reviewed a range of pelagic fisheries issues in particular, where the Netherlands and Ireland have similar interests in many respects. Other issues discussed included the Commission's mid-term review of the current multi-annual guidance programme for fishing fleets, the negotiations on the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework for the blue whiting fisheries in the north east Atlantic and the need for initiatives on fisheries conservation and control and the reduction of discards in European pelagic fisheries. We also discussed our shared interest in ensuring international fishing opportunities for the EU pelagic fleet, increased competition from Norway and the growing pelagic fisheries in developing countries. There was broad agreement on the general approach to these issues at EU level and we agreed to co-operate together on these in the interests of both our pelagic fishing industries.
I underlined to Minister Faber the concerns of the Irish industry about the activities of large pelagic vessels in EU waters and my commitment to push for an observer programme on large pelagic fishing vessels. I noted that in discussion with Commissioner Fischler he had undertaken to progress examination at EU level. We agreed that our Department's should keep in touch on developments on this initiative.