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

I am reluctant to commit myself to a date. However, I would not have undertaken the review and invited submissions from the industry, from which many varied and conflicting views have been received, if I did not intend to act on them at the earliest possible opportunity. I want to study in detail the competing voices proffered in the context of this capacity review.

It is also important to bear in mind that, under the Common Fisheries Policy, we are obliged to keep a balance between the capacity and the fishing opportunity. It is abundantly clear there is little point in facilitating greater capacity if the fishing opportunity in terms of quotas is not available. There are many parameters within which this decision will have to be viewed, not least the opinions offered in the consultation process. I would like to conclude it within the 12 month period, but I do not want to commit myself absolutely to a date today.