Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 361: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the objectives of the Government in the forthcoming negotiations under the EU Common Fisheries Policy. [32440/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers which will take place in December and decide on the total allowable catches, TACs, and quotas and associated conditions for fish stocks for 2006.

The priority for Ireland at this Council will be to achieve a balanced outcome that will provide for a sustainable future for the Irish fishing industry. The need to take effective conservation measures in order that fish stocks are managed and exploited on a sustainable basis is an over-riding imperative for both the Government and the Irish fishing industry. Within that context, the primary aim will be to ensure that Irish fishermen all around the coast will have available to them the maximum possible quantity and range of fishing possibilities in 2006 that can be justified on a sustainable basis.

In so far as Ireland is concerned, this means the setting of catch limits for Irish fishermen in respect of some 40 fish stocks, mainly in western waters around Ireland's coast, as well as effort limitation measures for certain gears in certain waters.

The European Commission will come forward with a proposal for 2006 in the next few weeks which will take into account the scientific advice recently given by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES. I will maintain close contact with industry representatives throughout these negotiations with regard to securing sustainable fishing opportunities for Irish fishermen.