Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In fact, the timeline is slightly worse than the Deputy outlined. The original obligation to move in this direction under EU regulations dates back as far as 2009. Therefore, the period is considerable. There are many reasons for that. I intend to proceed very shortly with the new statutory instrument. I am awaiting the final drafting procedures, and while I imagine we will be moving in the required direction this side of Christmas, I hope it will be before the end of this month at the very latest.

The Deputy is correct in her analysis. There are pilot infringement proceedings against the State on this matter. More important, with regard to EMFF funding, which is available for fishermen, onshore processing and other elements of the fishing industry, it has always been made clear to us that its availability is conditional on the implementation of the regulation. It has been communicated to us in no uncertain terms that the funding is now in the crosshairs of the Commission in the context of our failure to move.

I have examined this matter extensively. I commented on it previously in the Oireachtas in the context of the 2016 statutory instrument, which it is intended the new statutory instrument will replace. What we have attempted to do is to take on board, as far as is practical, many of the concerns expressed by the industry. I met industry representatives recently to discuss this matter. I met all the producer organisations. It is fair to say that they are not entirely happy but we must bear in mind the legal proceedings, the findings of the European Court of Auditors and the conditions attached to our EMFF funding. It is often forgotten that this is not just an instrument that will be used in respect of our domestic fishing industry. The fishing industry generally often makes the point that other EU member states also fish in our waters, and this will be an instrument to ensure compliance on their part also.

See this speech in context