Peter Kelly (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

Over recent years we have seen a significant decline in quotas and this is a matter of urgency. The Minister of State made clear that he is committed to supporting changes in the Common Fisheries Policy that strengthen that policy and deliver better management and conservation methods for our fisheries.

The Minister of State, Deputy Connick, recently set out Ireland's priorities for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy at a meeting of fisheries ministers in Spain. The meeting discussed the differing views and proposals put forward by member states. Some of Ireland's priorities for the new Common Fisheries Policy are a new focus on addressing the discarding of fish at sea, the retention of a management system based on national quotas supported by increased flexibility, a complex rejection of the mandatory privatisation of fish quotas or the international trading of fish quotes, and new measures to develop an environmental and economically sustainable aquaculture sector which could reduce our dependence on imported products.

To stem the decline in fish stocks, it is essential we bring in improved conservation measures and tackle illegal fishing by fleets in our waters. This will be done through reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The decline in fish stocks is clearly a European issue and actions to address this and ensure sustainable fishing practices must be taken at the European Council.

I do not believe this Bill will address illegal fishing in our waters and lead to increased stock levels. There is a risk it will damage our stock levels further and bring in a new culture of non-compliance. In fact, this Bill could have a regressive effect on the fishing industry.

Since 1959, Ireland has applied criminal law in fisheries matters and, since our membership of the European Community, Ireland has applied the criminal law in the enforcement of fisheries policies. In the case of most fisheries offences, the EU Common Fisheries Policy requires that the penalties must be effective, a deterrent and dissuasive, and must involve depriving the wrongdoer of the benefit of his or her actions. This is necessary to protect fish stocks from illegal fishing. The legal advice, I believe, is that imposing sanctions such as these set out in the Bill would undermine the existing legislative framework. The new EU fisheries control regulation introduces a new and common approach to fisheries regulation with the introduction for the first time of a penalty points system. That system is completely different from what is proposed in the Bill.

The Bill would have a negative impact on the industry in terms of future reducing stock levels through increased illegal activity in our waters and this would certainly be bad news for the 11,000 employed in the industry.

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