Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of the Irish proposals on quotas and efforts that will be advanced at the December 2005 Fisheries Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27895/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Total allowable catches, TACs,for the various fish stocks are established each December by the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, taking account of scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea on the state of the stocks. This scientific advice is being finalised and will be published in the coming weeks. This advice will be reviewed by the scientific, technical, economic committee for fisheries, a group of independent scientific, technical and economic experts appointed by the European Commission. The Commission will then bring forward its proposals for all stocks taking account of both the international council's advice and the comments of the Scientific, Technical, Economic Committee for Fisheries. These proposals will be considered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December.

The Commission's proposals for 2006 will be considered in the context of the scientific advice, current measures in place, including recovery plans and effort restrictions, and in consultation with industry representatives in order to determine a national position, taking account of the need to achieve sustainable fishing opportunities for the Irish industry.