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

Is the Minister raising the issue of relative stability in the context of the overall discussions, or is he concentrating on what he believes we can change? That is just a general point and I am not seeking a debate on it.

As regards discards and their removal, one of the factors that will determine whether this is a success will be the attitude adopted by the SFPA and the rules we implement to make this happen in the transition period. It is also linked to the science involved, although the fishermen suspect the scientific evidence. Their evidence at sea is different from what the scientists claim. The complexity of the rules and regulations will be critical if fishermen are to buy into this scheme in its implementation stage. We do not want fishermen returning to illegal activities simply because everything is stacked against them and they feel they have no choice. That will be important when it comes to implementing the measures nationally.

As regards discarding, I am wondering about the Dutch fleets that are fishing mackerel to order off the west coast. Will there be any focus on that issue when discards are being policed? A significant amount of fish are being discarded even though this is already illegal.

The Minister said we were out of the individual transferable quota, ITQ, system, but that is implemented as part of the CFP, so is it optional?