Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
11 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the alternative income he can offer to fishing families whose livelihoods may be in jeopardy arising from conservation regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25783/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe critical factor in protecting the livelihoods of fishing families is the provision of a good range of fishing possibilities and this aspect, rather than the provision of alternative income streams, remains my primary focus. The Government is, however, concerned to ensure that the livelihoods of fishermen are protected during periods when they are unable to fish and have very low incomes. For this reason, the fish assist scheme was introduced in 1999. It represents an important element of support for fishermen and their families in the event of difficulties.
However, as I indicated earlier, the best way to maintain and develop the livelihoods of fishing families is to provide them with good fishing possibilities each year. In that regard, I believe that the position for 2004 is worthy of emphasis and represents a broadly favourable position. Ireland's national quotas for 2004 show an overall growth of some 23%, in volume terms, on the equivalent figure for 2003. While this figure includes a generally static position for whitefish and shellfish quotas this is more than offset by increased pelagic quotas.
While some whitefish stocks in particular require conservation action at the present time, which are causing particular difficulties, fishermen accept that there is a need for effective conservation regulations to provide for sustainable exploitation of fish stocks into the future. Rather than jeopardise the livelihoods of fishing families, I believe that conservation regulations will in fact help to safeguard the future income of Irish fishing families. Fishing possibilities for 2005 will be decided in December and I will work closely with the Irish fishing industry to get the best possible deal consistent with the overriding requirement of ensuring long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
