Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
979. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider opening a public consultation on the distribution and allocation of the mackerel and herring quota in this State. [8255/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in Ireland, fishing quota, including pelagic stocks such as Mackerel and Herring, is a public resource and is managed to provide for proper management and conservation and rational exploitation of the State’s fishing quotas. The arrangements have been set and developed over many years since the commencement of the Common Fisheries Policy and the introduction of quotas.
In order to consider any review of mackerel or herring policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect of the mackerel or herring policy, it will require due process, involving an assessment of all issues arising, including a full public consultation. At this time, I am not of the view that there is a sufficiently strong case for a review of these policies.
