Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Ireland is setting the pace on this issue and we are being supported by other countries and the Commissioner. Talks after talks have broken down when the European Union offered what many, including Ireland, regarded as overly generous solutions for Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Deputy Brown is correct that Iceland has little or no track record while the Faroe Islands have a bigger track record in catching mackerel. Some change is required to the allocation and it is important that we recognise this. Mackerel stocks have moved further north into Icelandic waters and everybody accepts there needs to be some recognition of this. However what is being sought by Iceland and the Faroe Islands is totally unreasonable. Quota management is being ignored and what is being taken is potentially devastating in terms of damage to the stock.

As I have stated previously, we have tried to find a solution through diplomacy and negotiation but it has not worked. This is why we are being forced into a tougher line on sanctions. The Gallagher report adds even more to the sanctions. He wants us to go further and I support him on this. However, it may be difficult to get agreement on it. I understand exactly what he is trying to do and we support him. The bottom line is that there must be consequences for countries managing a stock in partnership with the European Union who choose to blatantly ignore all of the scientific advice on the amount of catch allowed. We need to force a resolution on this because otherwise a resolution will be forced on all of us because the stock will collapse. This would be devastating for the Irish fishing industry because we are so reliant on mackerel for income, particularly in the north west.

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