Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

——where we confirmed that we would meet Commissioner Borg and convey in the strongest terms the depth of feeling of Irish fishermen and that we would press him to bring forward a new EU-funded package of measures to alleviate the immediate concerns of the industry.

We had meetings with the FIF before and during the Fisheries Council on 24 June. I also met the FIF last Thursday at the innovation and sustainability conference in Donegal town on 26 June.

By way of direct engagement with the Commissioner, the Minister had a long telephone conversation with him on 6 June. We had a bilateral meeting on 18 June at which, having already met the FIF, we were able to convey to him exactly what the fishermen had said to us.

At the Fisheries Council on 24 June we reiterated our demands for a co-ordinated EU-funded package of short-term measures to address the present difficulties. I was pleased by the support extended by some other fisheries Ministers at that Council and hope, with that support, to put further pressure on the Commission at the next Fisheries Council on 15 July. We want a viable package that must include additional EU-funded provisions.

It is clear that there is a degree of common understanding of the issues. This has been the case throughout the entire process of the Cawley strategy. There is significant additional pressure on the industry because of the rise in fuel prices. There is appreciation also that some of the issues cannot be resolved overnight. However, in at least two of the contributions tonight there was a total misunderstanding of the nature of the French and Spanish measures which fall considerably short of those that have been taken in this country.

In the matter of decommissioning, many people emphasise the payments to those who leave the business but the really important element is the economic lift from the redistribution of the whitefish and prawn catch previously taken by the decommissioned vessels. The figure for this is currently estimated at €20 million per annum, a considerable amount to those who remain. Ultimately, decommissioning is only valuable if it also benefits the owners and skippers who stay in the fleet.

The issue of administrative sanctions was dealt with last night by the Minister, Deputy Smith. He emphasised that we had listened to the arguments made by the federation and, as promised, that we have referred the matter to the Attorney General for a fresh look at the issue. As the Ministers responsible, we will be led by the proper legal advice in this matter.

Contrary to what a Member said, the Council meeting was very successful in moving to deal with illegal, unreported and unregulated, IUU, imports. This trade impacts negatively on the income of fishermen. As Deputy Stanton rightly noted, from the beginning of 2010 the outcome will be of enormous benefit to Irish fishermen. The reason for the timescale involved is because of the nature of the proposals which are wide ranging and will take some time to come into place.

In the matter of discards, Ireland has been to the fore since 2004 in trying to ensure the EU brings forward proposals that are sensible and that address the issues. We raised the matter with the Commissioner and at the Council meeting and will continue to pursue it until we get a workable resolution.

A number of speakers referred to the market and research initiatives which are very important.

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