Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of fishermen who lost their livelihoods when tuna fishing ceased in south Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13822/05]

Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the fishermen who fished for tuna in south Kerry will be compensated due to loss of earnings with the cessation of tuna fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13823/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.

In 1998, the Council of Fisheries Ministers took a decision to ban drift netting for tuna with effect from 1 January 2002. This decision to ban aparticular form of tuna fishing did not amount to the ending of the tuna fishery. For 2005, a quota of 5,723 tonnes is available to Irish fishermen, which compares favourably with the quota of 3,158 tonnes which prevailed in 2001.

As part of the package negotiated in 1998, it was agreed to postpone the introduction of the ban on drift netting for albacore tuna until 2002. It was accordingly possible during this phase out period to issue a total of 18 drift netting permits. It was clearly understood, however, by all of the fishermen concerned that the ban on drift netting for albacore tuna would be introduced with effect from the beginning of 2002.

As part of the transition process to new methods of fishing this valuable species, Bord Iascaigh Mhara provided substantial support to interested fishermen to develop alternative fishing techniques. The results of trials undertaken in this regard have shown that it is possible to catch tuna with non-drift netting techniques and in these circumstances the question of compensation does not arise.

In so far as the livelihoods of fishermen are concerned, the critical factor is the provision of a good range of fishing possibilities each year. In that regard, the position in recent years represents a broadly favourable position for Irish fishermen, including those formerly involved in drift netting for tuna.