Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

For many years, County Donegal, in particular the Killybegs area, has been to the forefront of the Irish fishing industry, and has been a vital source of permanent and seasonal employment opportunities in coastal communities as well as boosting the local economy through ancillary industries. The pelagic processing industry is going through a period of change arising from various factors which have impacted on the industry. A critical factor is the high price being paid for mackerel across the market. It is probable that some ongoing restructuring of the processing sector will continue as firms position themselves to provide long-term sustainable jobs for the area in a competitive international market.

EU measures to strengthen control in pelagic fisheries, introduced in 2004 as a consequence of concerns about illegal landings right throughout Europe, will continue this year. The effective implementation of these measures is critical to ensure the medium to long-term sustainability of fish stocks and to maximise the market prices for vessel owners respecting quota allocations. I responded to industry concerns about the impact of these new procedures and secured at last December's Fisheries Council a commitment that the Commission would bring forward proposals that will allow fish to be weighed after transport from the port of landing while ensuring full control and accountability. The Commission brought forward informal proposals in this regard, which are currently being evaluated.

Equally importantly, new arrangements have been put in place in designated landing ports in Ireland that allow for weighing of fish and the subsequent addition of refrigerated seawater. The new system addresses to a significant extent the quality and other concerns expressed by the industry last year. By working together, we will ensure the pelagic seafood sector in Donegal maintains its pre-eminent position and remains an economic linchpin of its coastal communities.

The Government has no plans to close down the fish processing industry on the west coast. The Deputy will recall the Government investment of €50 million in the major new harbour development at Killybegs. We want a return on that investment through more fish being landed at Killybegs. My officials and I will work closely with the industry with a view to attracting more of the vessels into Killybegs.

One would get the impression from the question that the fish are being caught south of Donegal and are bypassing Killybegs on their way to Scotland. Deputy Perry will be aware that in December and January the fish are largely off Norway. They move outside the line east of 4°W and then into the waters of Scotland and Norway, and fishermen are taking full advantage of the prices there. However, I would prefer that they landed their fish in Killybegs, providing jobs for the hard-pressed processors and seasonal workers.

See this speech in context