Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Some time ago, the European Commission issued instructions to the governments of all member states to introduce conservation policies for eel fishing. This is pending, subject to a decision at the end of May, but it appears the Minister or his predecessor indicated their intention to ban eel fishing for 90 years. The Joint Committee on European Affairs deemed this to be excessive on the basis that Ireland's contribution to the diminution of fish stocks is small. As the measure will involve both primary and secondary legislation, will the Tánaiste tell the House whether the Minister will defer agreeing to the European Commission's proposals until after the Bill on the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector has been introduced, or might it be possible to defer the secondary legislation that will be needed?

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