Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
267 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that sufficient resources are available to meet requirements in terms of fisheries protection and coastal surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19577/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraControl and enforcement is a fundamental element for the effective implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. The newly reformed CFP, agreed in December 2002, provides for strengthened control and enforcement measures. I fully endorse this enhanced commitment to control and enforcement.
Effective enforcement of conservation rules is a priority for all member states and each member state has a clear responsibility to monitor and control fishing activity within their respective jurisdictions. The challenge of achieving effective control and enforcement of fisheries' rules is ongoing and requires close collaboration and co-operation between member states. It is clear that fisheries enforcement throughout the EU must continue to improve if the conservation imperatives facing the management of our European fish stocks are to be met and this will require the continued commitment of resources to meet this challenge successfully.
Ireland invests heavily in this regard with increased resources allocated to monitoring and surveillance activity both onshore and at sea. In particular, the number of sea fisheries protection officers has been increasing significantly in recent years and they are deployed at coastal ports. Overall, I am satisfied that adequate resources are available for fisheries protection but the matter will be kept under ongoing reivew. I will continue to work for more effective control in all member states in order to ensure a level playing field for the fishing industry.
