Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:133 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the outcome of his meeting in Dublin on 16 September 2002 with the French Fisheries Minister. [17056/02]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Meetings.
I had useful discussions with my French colleague, Minister Herve Gaymard, on 16 September, in Dublin in which we discussed areas of mutual interest and concern.
Our talks focused mainly on the key issue of the upcoming Common Fisheries Policy review. I outlined the Irish perspective on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. We confirmed our shared view that France and Ireland have much common agreement in our approach to fisheries policy within the European Union. In that context, we agreed that our strategic alliance on common themes with our Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish colleagues should continue in order to effect changes to the Commission's proposals that will ensure a viable future for our respective fishing industries.
We agreed to maintain close contact particularly over the coming months during the CFP review process in order to continue to promote policy positions where we have shared interests.