Vol. 553 No. 6
214 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources if proposals are being put forward by the European Commission which will allow an unlimited number of fishing vessels from EU member states to fish into the 12 mile limit without a licensing system; if such proposals are still on the table or if they have been withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14851/02]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the proposals recently presented by the Commission in relation to the review of the Common Fisheries Policy and in particular the regime for access to the "Irish Box".
In the context of these proposals, the Commission has proposed the retention of the current restrictions on the right to fish within the 12 mile limit. In relation to other Community waters, where access restrictions apply including the "Irish Box", the Commission has proposed a report by 31 December 2003 on the rules concerning access to resources in these waters, assessing the justification for these rules in terms of conservation and sustainable exploitation objectives.
The current restrictive access regime for the "Irish Box" is critical for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fish stocks in western waters and I will work to ensure this regime is retained into the future.
