Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy McConalogue's question about whether I can mitigate this and come home with a good news story shades into the other question. In truth, I do not know. This is my first voyage. The advice of officials in the Department and engagement with colleagues paints a grim picture. Looking at previous impact assessments I do not think anything was quite as severe as this in terms of the proposals for several species of significant value, particularly the prawns. They are one of the most valuable stocks up for negotiation at council. I honestly do not know. A great deal of work has gone into preparation for this in consultation with other member states where we might forge strategic alliances and work to deliver the best possible outcomes. It is a very challenging area.

Deputy Ferris asked about spurdog. The advice is that it is significantly overfished. It is a long living and slow to recover fishery. There is a proposal for a small scientific fishery for 2017 and the details need to be worked out. The scientific evidence would not support the views the Deputy is putting forward.