Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2012
23 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will realign fishing quotas to provide more jobs in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7079/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy statutory role in relation to the allocation of fishing quotas is contained in Sections of 12 and 13 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 which requires me to act for the for the proper and effective management and conservation and rational exploitation of the State fishing quotas and opportunities. I consider that the industry itself is best placed to advise me on the management of fish quotas, including in terms of providing jobs in the sector. When making decisions in relation to developing policy concerning the allocation of quota, I go to considerable lengths to ensure that those likely to be affected by the decisions are fully consulted.
In relation to the monthly allocation of whitefish stocks, my Department officials and the representative producer organisations in the industry, both fishermen and onshore processors, meet each month to make recommendations to me in relation to the quota to be allocated in the coming month.
When making decision on the policy governing the allocation of pelagic stocks, such as mackerel and herring, an extensive consultation process is undertaken. These consultations provide the opportunity for those involved in the industry, to highlight their concerns and make recommendations concerning the policy. This is the process which was used to determine the polyvalent mackerel policy, the boarfish policy and the revised herring policy which is nearing conclusion.
