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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

107 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the reported plans by the EU Commission for European navies to patrol Irish waters as part of joint fishery inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22347/02]

The Commission's proposals in relation to European fisheries patrol vessels patrolling in the exclusive economic zone of other member states has been carefully examined. There are concerns in relation to the legal aspects of this proposal. These relate particularly to the exercise of powers within areas under the sovereign control of Ireland and the efficacy of prosecutions in the Irish courts taken on the basis of inspections and detentions by the patrol vessels of other member states. Following careful examination of all the issues involved, I am not supporting this proposal. I consider that the most efficient application of control of Ireland's exclusive economic zone is through the Irish naval service which has the necessary powers under Irish law.

I am very supportive of many of the other measures included in the Commission's proposals on fisheries control and enforcement. I strongly support measures to bring more conformity across the EU to sanctions being applied for fishery offences and for more co-ordination and co-operation in control activities between member states. I am also supportive of extending the use of vessel monitoring systems, VMS, and the introduction of electronic logbooks.

Ireland has for many years been at the forefront in pressing for a more efficient and effective control and enforcement regime under the Common Fisheries Policy and an even handed approach to its implementation across the Union.

As the waters around Ireland are rich fishing grounds where many fleets operate, the protection of fish stocks against illegal fishing activity is critical for the maintenance of Ireland's peripheral coastal communities, which are dependent on these fishing grounds. It is also critical that a level playing field applies across the community so that fishermen have confidence in the system. I will be working in the upcoming negotiations to agree practical measures that will achieve this objective.

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