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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 4

Written Answers. - Common Fisheries Policy.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

90 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, in regard to his statement to the Dáil Éireann on 11 October 2001, he will indicate which EU Fishery Ministers have been spoken to individually since that date with a view to promoting Ireland's case for a more equitable share of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28929/01]

I have already stated, in discussion with EU Ministerial colleagues, Ireland's case for a more equitable share of resources in the context of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2002. I will speak bilaterally to a number of colleagues and to Commissioner Fischler in the course of next week's Fisheries Council. Substantive negotiations on CFP reform will begin under the Spanish Presidency next year culminating under the Danish Presidency towards the end of 2002. I have already arranged to meet my Spanish counterpart in Ireland on 15 January next, just after Spain assumes the Presidency.

In the run-up to presentation of formal proposals on CFP reform by the Commission, I am in the process of influencing future policy directions. To this end, in the lead-up to the December Council, I will hold bilateral discussions with the Belgian Presidency on Irish priorities and will meet my UK and Northern Ireland Ministerial colleagues shortly to discuss immediate issues of bilateral interest.
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