Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Beamish for the information he gave on the aquaculture element that is of concern to the committee. The report is comprehensive and covers most of the policy aspects.

I have a question on appropriate assessments. Dr. Beamish said that all of the assessments had been completed on the Natura sites. Is that true? If so, the conservation objectives will then be laid out in order for applications to be progressed and, from what I heard, that will probably be done this year.

The committee hopes to examine another aspect which arose following the ban on net fishing in area 6A and the impact that has had on small inshore fisherman, particularly in island communities that depend on fishing. The ban means they must concentrate on crab and lobster fishing only. Can Mr. Beamish explain what discretion or policy options are open to the Irish Government regarding the six and 12-mile limits that would make allowance for small inshore fishermen and fleets? They traditionally fished in these waters but the ban will make them part-time fishermen. Are there policy instruments available to a national Irish Government? Do the instruments fit in with the Common Fisheries Policy? Is there scope to develop an alternative policy that would allow traditional fishermen to continue fishing?