Vol. 526 No. 5
13 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will seek the extension of Ireland's exclusive coastal limits to 24 miles as recommended by the Irish national strategy review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26919/00]
As I have already advised the House, the CFP strategy review group has produced a wide-ranging and substantive analysis of the key issues to be tackled in the CFP review. The review group has made a strong case for the extension of exclusive coastal limits which would more realistically reflect modern day scenarios. The European Parliament has endorsed the extension of the 12 mile limit to 24 miles and this provides a key reference point for the extension of coastal limits.
The existing CFP regulation recognises that there should be special provision for inshore fisheries. This recognition should be enhanced in the 2002 review by expanding the coastal limits which would enable the optimum management and conservation of inshore fish stocks. In Ireland's case inshore fisheries represents 20% of the value of overall fish landings and over 50% of direct employment in the sector. I will be discussing the group's report with Commissioner Fischler in the next few weeks with a view to ensuring that the Irish perspective directly contributes to Commission thinking in the forthcoming Green Paper. We will also be working to influence other member states and developing strategic alliances, accordingly, on the access issue and other strategic priorities.
Does the Minister anticipate there will be agreement when he meets Commissioner Fischler?
No. It is considerably more difficult to get agreement on such a fundamental change. As it is part of a review that will take place in 2002, I do not expect any early decisions.
This is of fundamental importance to Ireland and other countries. The Minister stated earlier that he had discussions with other marine Ministers. Do we have fellow travellers in the Community who would want protection such as we are looking for? What kind of help does the Minister expect to receive and, more importantly, from where will trouble come? Who is likely to help us out? While other countries are in a similar position some will not be happy about this proposal.
I do not believe it is a good idea—
Do we know our friends?
Proposals have been put forward by some countries around the Baltic Sea – the distance between Denmark and Sweden is not that great – that there should be an extension of limits. It is fair to say that all the other countries that fish off our coast will want limits kept to a minimum. We will have a difficult task in that respect.
Question No. 14 taken with Question No. 12.
