Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Marine Institute reports that the mortality rate for salmon is too high, that if the temperature of the Atlantic rises by half a degree then the entire salmon stock which has been here for millions of years will move one thousand miles north. There is already evidence of species of warm water fish being caught in Irish waters to an unprecedented extent. These are issues that need to be considered. This is the reason that during the Irish Presidency we commenced a long-term analysis which will continue long after we are all gone. This analysis of various elements of the Atlantic Ocean involves Canada, America, Portugal, Spain, France, Great Britain and Ireland. The sub-committee considered the implications. The best action Ireland can take is to measure up to its responsibilities and this is what we are doing. However, we want to be able to measure up to those responsibilities in a way that is actually achievable and not be set targets that are exceptionally beyond our reach. In my view, the original targets were based on insufficient scientific information but that has all changed.

I am very glad that the European Commission and the European Union recognise that Ireland is now in a different space and that we want to make a real contribution but a contribution that is achievable and with a target that is relevant to Ireland. We do not want the generation after 2020 to be put in a position where exceptionally large fines will be levied on the country because of our inability to meet targets. The 2020 targets were beyond our reach but if they followed on the same logic, the 2030 targets would be completely outside our capacity to measure up. It is still technically complicated and it will not be easy. However, the answer to the Deputy's question is that we will play our part and I am happy that the expertise in the different Departments as they negotiate with their counterparts in Europe, following the European Council decision, will put us in a better place although it will not be easy. It was decided in Europe that with regard to all these matters the European Council would be consulted before a final signing-off. That will aid the Irish negotiators on the issues of forestry capacity, afforestation and sequestration. However, it will not be an easy task for us to achieve our targets at the same time.

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