Vol. 554 No. 5
112 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the implementation of the plan announced by the EU Commission in May 2002 to reduce the number of vessels in the EU by 8.5% or 18% in terms of tonnage; the implications of the proposed plan for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17054/02]
The EU Commission brought forward proposals in May 2002 to provide for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP. These proposals include a change in fleet policy. The proposal involves the introduction of limits on fishing effort, that is, days at sea, of between 30% and 60% depending on the state of stocks and the regions. The Commission's objective is to rapidly reduce fleet size by putting in place a system that will make the operation of the current national fleets uneconomic. The fleet reductions are to be achieved through imposing restrictions on the days vessels will be allowed to fish. The total amount of fishing effort, days at sea, the Irish fleet will be allocated will be significantly less than the total that would allow the present fleet to operate on an economic basis and, accordingly, many vessel owners would be forced to scrap their vessels and get out of fishing. The Commission's estimate is that the effect of its proposals would be that more than 400 Irish vessels would be scrapped. This represents 40% of the fishing fleet. This would have serious consequences for the fishing industry in Ireland and for the coastal communities dependent on fishing.
The Commission's proposals were most recently discussed at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 24 September. At Council I explained my opposition to this element of the Commission's proposals on the basis that it was a technocratic approach to fisheries management and would not ensure the sustainability of fish stocks which is the primary aim. I explained that Ireland could not support these measures which would force many family fishing enterprises in peripheral areas out of business. My position was supported by a number of other member states with whom I have been working to achieve agreement on a way forward. I am satisfied that all other member states and the Commission understand clearly the difficulties that the Commission's proposals on the fleet would create for the Irish fishing industry.
Over the coming months I will continue to work with member states and the Commission to effect changes to the Commission's proposals which will ensure an appropriate balance between protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities and having in place effective measures to ensure the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks.
