Vol. 556 No. 5
137 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will use ex-quota fish, which are being dumped, to cook, put in cans and use in the United Nations Food Aid Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20906/02]
I assume the Deputy is referring to fish caught in excess of quota allocations, which under current EU legislation can not be retained on board a fishing vessel or landed. The specific condition relating to control of fishing activities in member states, including the conditions relating to catches in excess of quota allocations, are agreed at community level and are set down in EU Regulation 2847/93, establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy. This was amended by EU Regulation 2846/98. The regulation prohibits the retention on board, trans-shipment and landing of fish taken once a quota for that species has been exhausted by the member state concerned. The regulation does not allow for the use of fish in UN aid programmes.
In response to concerns expressed by member states and industry representatives, including Ireland, about the discarding of fish, the Commission is bringing forward a communication to consider measures that could reduce substantially discards of fish. The communication is expected shortly and I will ensure that the contents are fully examined. I am committed to working with industry, the Commission and other member states to find solutions that will ensure that, as far as possible, fish are not discarded. In this regard, it is essential to ensure that any measures introduced do not facilitate or encourage the landing and sale of undersized fish, fishing when quota allocations are exhausted or any other form of illegal fishing.
