Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harrington for his observations. Members are in agreement on the need for the elimination of discards, as far as practicable, and achieving the targets on sustainable catch through conservation measures so that yields are sustainable and fish stock remain healthy. The major problem arises from what the fishing fleets were allowed to catch in the past.

After this meeting, Dr. Beamish and a colleague will be present at the Joint Sub-Committee on Fisheries to brief us on aquaculture and island and coastal fisheries within the 12-mile zone. What is the relevance of the Common Fisheries Policy?