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

It would be unfortunate if the impression was to go out that ICES science is wayward or not reliable. Broadly speaking that is not the case, but there was an acceptance that it would review the methodology applied to mackerel last year. That has resulted in advice that would facilitate an increase, even if it did not issue until mid-year.

I have spoken to my officials, who will be in these negotiations, which are taking place in London. They will pursue the new level of advice. Obviously, the ICES advice will detail individual allocations. In many respects, it is every state for itself and its respective industries so we will be trying to extract the best possible deal for our pelagic fleet in the context of the scientific advice available to us, which is welcome. It is important to reflect that the ICES advice is informed by bodies like the Marine Institute, which conducts research in our areas on our behalf and is involved in the general advice that is available to the Commission for the December Council or indeed for the allocation of mackerel quotas.

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