Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Policing that will be a challenge, of course. It was really important for the fishing industry that there was a de minimis figure because there needs to be a release valve. When one uses all the management tools that are available in terms of cross-species quota management, inter annual quota management and all the options of technical conservation measures are exhausted, it is important that there is ade minimis rule that can allow fishermen operate in a practical sense and allow them to make a living.

Some 18 months ago a group, which Dr. Noel Cawley chairs, was set up to consider the national discards implementation. Dr. Cawley is an experienced and wily operator in terms of finding solutions for awkward problems. He is doing a good job. It is really only now that it is getting serious and that fishermen realise that next year, they will have to change their approach to the species of cod, haddock and whiting. With buy-in, good resources and supports coming through the seafood development programme, it is doable. It will require change. There should also be a good upside in terms of quota uplift.

It is my job to ensure we deliver it in December. I do not want to be lining myself up for a fall. We have had initial conversations on it and I think the Commission is very cautious towards a quota uplift but I think fishermen need to see this working for them. If they land everything they catch, when previously they would have been dumping that fish back into the sea, that needs to be reflected within reason in the quotas they get. That needs to be negotiated with the Commission.