I acknowledge the Minister's involvement but we, along the north-west coast, will have to start to invest in research. Research was done in the Irish Sea but it has not been carried out along the north-west coast. I call for investment in research involving the participants there, including the fishermen's association, because as I said they have in-depth expertise and knowledge. Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute are willing to see how they can move forward in terms of conservation. The measure in place in regard to the reduction in the fish mesh is contrary to conservation and sustainability. If we can collate all the anecdotal evidence and invest in research and if this Government is willing to do so, we will be in a position to say to the European Commission and Commissioner Fischler in December that the blunt instrument used this time is not a sustainable measure and that it is totally contradictory to any type of reasonable and logical conservation measure.

We must use December as a milestone, or a watershed, when we can turn the situation around. We cannot, however, go to the European Commission unless we have scientific data. The fishermen's lobby groups, the fishermen's associations, are willing to participate because they have in-depth knowledge and expertise beyond any I have, even though I was born on the coast. They are willing to participate and to enter into some type of partnership in regard to research with BIM and the Marine Institute to look at a long-term proactive management plan for the Irish coast. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House.

I have discussed the situation in some detail with representatives of the Irish fishing industry on a number of occasions since the December Council, including fishermen from Donegal and the Greencastle area, in particular. I have also ensured that the Department has worked closely with the industry to clarify issues about the scheme and the details associated with its implementation.

I am aware that this new scheme gives rise to difficulties for particular fishermen fishing off the north west coast using certain gear types. The nine day limit, to which the Senator referred, has now been increased to 11 days following discussions with the European Commission. The extra days represent an allowance for steaming time between home ports and fishing grounds as well as compensation for adjustment to fishing patterns.

However, it is important to stress that the 11 day limit applies only to one gear type. It is possible to fish for a greater number of days each month if certain other gear types are used or without any limit if fishing exclusively outside the area.

On the basis of an examination of recent log-sheet data, the best estimate is that a total of 24 Donegal based vessels fished in the area concerned with the fishing gear subject to the 11 day limit. Ten of these vessels also fished with other fishing gears subject to a 25 day limit. The impact of the regulation will, therefore, be dependent on the type of gear which vessels elect to use and the area in which they choose to fish.

As I have already indicated, I do not accept the validity of the Commission's approach. It does not ensure the sustainability of fish stocks, which is the primary aim. My position is supported by the Irish fishing industry and also by a number of other member states. When the Commission presents its detailed long-term proposals for the recovery of cod stocks in particular, the debate on the most effective way forward will again take centre stage.

There is serious concern about cod stocks and we must bear in mind that we are proceeding against the backdrop whereby the most recent scientific advice from ICES is for a closure of all fisheries for cod off the north-west coast of Ireland and Scotland as a targeted species or by-catch. It must, therefore, be acknowledged that stock recovery is unlikely unless stringent management action is taken.

I believe that such action should concentrate on improved technical conservation measures and better control and enforcement. An appropriate balance between protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities and having in place effective measures to ensure the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks is possible. That will be my priority in upcoming discussions on this issue.