Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
32 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the restrictions that will be put in place on Spanish fishing vessels within the new Irish Box area off the south-west coast of Ireland; if negotiations have been completed with the Spanish on this matter; and if not, if it is his intention to finalise the issue before the end of the Irish Presidency of the EU. [13853/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe system to apply to the new Irish Box area and to western waters generally relates to the management of fishing effort in defined areas and fisheries. In order to implement this system effectively, maximum annual fishing effort limits will apply to each member state operating in the relevant area or fishery. Such restrictions on fishing effort will apply to all fishing vessels, Spanish and otherwise, whether operating in the new Irish Box area or elsewhere in western waters. The question of negotiating or having bilateral discussions with any given member state does not, therefore, arise.
This matter remains a Community issue and in accordance with the agreement reached last autumn, the Commission presented its proposal in March to establish fishing effort ceilings. This proposal is based on detailed historical fishing data presented by member states for the agreed reference period of 1998 to 2002. It sets down a fishing effort ceiling for the new Irish Box in respect of demersal, crab and scallop fisheries and will apply to all vessels over ten metres in overall length operating within the box.
The Commission's proposal is currently being considered in detail by a Council working group. This technical work is proceeding satisfactorily. Particular attention is being paid to ensuring that a number of valid methodological changes over the previous effort regime will be reflected in the new regime. Of special note in this regard is the inclusion of additional smaller vessels in the new system and also a revised definition for a fishing day. My Department is maintaining close contact with industry representatives to ensure they have a full understanding of the terms of the Commission proposal and I am seeking to have any concerns raised by them examined to ensure the new regulation delivers the necessary protection for the waters around Ireland and, in particular, in the new Irish Box.
The main task now is to complete this technical work and ensure, in the process, that there is no increase in actual fishing effort by foreign fishing vessels in waters around Ireland generally and particularly in sensitive waters off the south and west coasts. I am working to finalise this issue before the end of the Irish EU Presidency and I will be seeking Council agreement at the June Fisheries Council.
This is a somewhat complex issue and I will, therefore, try to simplify it so the Minister can clarify a few matters. The question refers to the new Irish Box area. This comprises approximately one third of the original Irish Box which encircled their entire country. The new box covers an area on the south-west coast. There is also an area which was formerly non-restricted included in the new Irish Box which was not contained in the old Irish Box. As a result, there is some confusion about the new levels of fishing effort that will be allowed in the new Irish Box. I refer here, in particular, to the fishing effort of the Spanish fleet.
I agree with the Minister that the rules have changed somewhat. It will no longer be a case of restricting the number of vessels allowed into the area. The new measurement will be in kilowatt days. Will the Minister be seeking independent verification from the Commission of the figures that will be supplied by individual countries and which will form the basis for the new restrictions to be put in place within the preservation area of the new Irish Box? There are those in the Irish fishing industry who are sceptical as to whether the figures that will be supplied by certain member states in respect of past fishing effort in the new area, and particularly the part of it that was not in the former Irish Box, will be accurate. Is there a proposed system or framework under which independent verification from the Commission would be required as to the accuracy of these figures? In other words, did these boats formerly fish in this area or did they fish further west? That is the key issue.
I welcome the Minister's statement that he wants to ensure there is no increase in Spanish fishing effort, in particular, in the new area. However, the essence of the problem lies in the accuracy of the figures that will be supplied. Independent verification is definitely required in that regard. I also welcome the fact the Minister intends to conclude the deliberations on this matter, which is crucial to the Irish fishing fleet, before the end of the Irish Presidency of the EU.
The Deputy is correct to state this is an extremely complicated matter. That is why discussions at official level with the Commission and the various delegations from the member states are ongoing. We will hopefully be able to reach political agreement in respect of this matter and sign off on the regulations in June. If not, a fall-back position exists. It is the view of all member states that it should be concluded during the Irish Presidency.
I do not know what the Deputy is seeking in terms of independent verification of the figures. The fishing industry is aware of what is happening and has been kept informed of what is being discussed at present. The figures submitted by various member states, including Ireland, obviously have to stand up to scrutiny by the Commission. These figures will ultimately determine the level of fishing effort for each country.
Have we reached the stage where the level of Spanish fishing effort proposed for the new area is approximately 80% of that carried out by the Irish fleet? Ireland has approximately 7 million kilowatt days. Is it correct that Spanish entitlement will be in the region of 80% of that of the Irish fleet? Is that what the Minister is aiming for?
No. There is no absolute position as yet in regard to any of the figures. The fishing vessels of the Spanish fleet are somewhat bigger than their Irish counterparts, while there are similar numbers of each. The larger the vessel, the greater the fishing effort it can exercise. We are happy to allow matters proceed towards June while ensuring there will be no increase in fishing effort and the levels which obtained previously will remain in place.
I assure the Deputy that these figures are being mulled over closely by all delegations. There is a fair bit of work to be done between now and the June Council.
