Fisheries Protection.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2007

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Ceisteanna (932)

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

1006 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide an assurance that environmental non-Governmental organisations here will be represented on the statutory consultative committee of 14 persons representing stakeholders of An tÚdarás um Chosaint Iascaigh Mhara, The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, in view of the key role environmental non-Governmental organisations play in the formation and development of fisheries policy at European level. [2129/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Section 48 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 (No. 8 of 2006) provides for the appointment of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee to represent the interests of the sea-fisheries and seafood sectors as well as marine environment and marine research interests.

The legislation provides that the Consultative Committee shall consist of not more than 14 members comprising—

a. Representatives of the following sectors: Sea-fishing catching; Inshore fishing; Seafood processing; Aquaculture

b. Other persons with particular expertise or experience in: Marine environment; Marine research;

Or other persons with relevance to the functions of the Authority.

I have invited nominations from a wide range of organisations including relevant marine related environmental non-Governmental organisations. The Deputy can be assured that marine environment interests will be taken into consideration in the composition of the Committee.

Question No. 1007 answered with QuestionNo. 972.

Question No. 1008 answered with QuestionNo. 989.