Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

This is my only objective and it is the reason for the proposals I have made. I am somewhat restricted legally in terms of what I can say, including on which way I am leaning in this regard, because whatever I say will be used as part of any argument that may be made later. However, if Senators wish to speak to me afterwards, I will certainly discuss my position with them.

We are trying to apply the same principles to the Celtic Sea as we are applying off the west and north-west coasts in respect of herring. I hope quota increases will be granted in that herring fishery of a similar magnitude to those approved in the Celtic Sea. Everyone will benefit from such increases. This is an issue of sustainable stock management and linking science with fishing experience to manage and build stocks. It was on that basis that we managed to secure such extraordinary increases in some stocks this year.

On wild salmon, the management of inland fisheries is the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte. I do not have any role in salmon licensing or the linkage between angling and tourism. That may not be as it should be but it is the current position. I have some influence on the relationship between aquaculture and fish farming, on the one hand, and angling on the other. If at some point we are reviewing policy in this area, I may consider ways in which small artisan fisheries could catch salmon. It is my job to speak to the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, on these issues if we are developing new approaches and so forth. However, I do not wish to raise any hopes that the Government will allow wild salmon to be caught again any time soon. It is good that wild salmon stocks are starting to increase. Angling tourism is a significant industry and I believe we can strike the right balance between angling interests and allowing the commercial, sustainable exploitation of the salmon stock. While this relationship is consistently fractious, we must all have an open mind on it.

Senator Healy Eames referred to trade with China. I answered the question on deep water aquaculture and salmon farming.