Performance governance of both the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is subject to a number of stringent measures. Both Agencies have signed performance contracts with the Department. Performance contracts are agreed yearly in advance between the Department and Agency, and are subject to rigorous quarterly reviews. In addition, the Marine Institute and BIM publish an Annual Report and Annual Review which details progress against objectives each year.
The strategy for the development of the seafood sector is encapsulated in the Department's Statement of Strategy 2005-2007. Governance of performance is on a quarterly and annual basis.
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) was responsible for the collection of data relating to employment for the annual economic reports (AER) of the fishing fleet from 1998-2004. BIM took over this activity in 2005. Council Regulation (EC) No. 1543/2000 of 29 June 2000 establishing a Community framework for the collection and management of the data needed to conduct the common fisheries policy came into force on 1 January 2004 in respect of the fishing fleet and 1 January 2006 in respect of the processing sector.
In relation to data on production, the Department provides details to the EU Commission of landings of all stocks on a monthly basis. This information has been provided to the Commission for the years 2000-2005.