Vol. 521 No. 2
47 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources to make a statement on the report of Ireland's National Strategy Review Group on the EU's Common Fisheries Policy; and the steps he intends to take to ensure implementation of the report's recommendations. [16678/00]
The national CFP strategy review group has already produced four interim reports covering the national investment priorities for the seafood sector, fisheries control and enforcement, technical conservation measures and regionalisation of the Common Fisheries Policy.
The group is currently in the process of finalising a comprehensive report on the key strategic issues which need to be addressed in the CFP review 2002.
The group is doing excellent work. It is undertaking detailed analysis of all the issues involved and is taking a highly proactive, open, and consultative approach at national and EU level. The group has made presentations to the European Commission and the European Parliament which are contributing to a better understanding of Ireland's position in relation to the CFP. The process is also raising awareness at EU institutional level on the need for a fundamental overhaul of the Common Fisheries Policy to reflect EU and international developments and trends as well as the needs of the EU fishing sectors and communities.
