Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:85 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if a reduction in the Irish fish catch is anticipated on foot of recent EU proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16937/00]
Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.
The EU proposals to which the Deputy refers are views contained within the European Commission mid-term report on the current multi-annual guidance programme, MAGP IV. These views do not as yet have the status of formal proposals and the commission will have to submit a formal proposal for council decision if it intends to proceed. Any such proposal would fall to be considered during the French Presidency, in the second half of the year and a prolonged and difficult debate could be expected.
The commission's views, if implemented, would imply significant reductions of the order of 10% for the Irish fleet. It is not possible at this early stage to quantify the potential impact of such proposals for the processing sector. Along with other EU ministerial colleagues I will be taking serious issue with the underlying assumptions and analysis of the Commission's report at the Fisheries Council later this week.