Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

By way of background, the committee has already completed a number of reports during its term and felt that rather than undertaking additional reports, it should revisit previous reports to see what progress had been made in relation to the implementation of the recommendations therein. The report before us is the first chosen in that regard. Our aim is to see if we can assist in its implementation. The committee does not have the power to implement recommendations but it can push for them to be implemented. It was felt that further engagement with the representatives here today and others would be of use to us at this time. We are also trying to organise a meeting with the new Commissioner. Much of what has been proposed forms part of what was proposed by the former Commissioner under the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP. Many of the recommendations put forward are also similar to those proposed previously by the committee. What we are trying to achieve, collectively, is a reflection of this in departmental policy.