Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the TACs and quotas agreed at the December 2005 EU Fisheries Council; the prospects for the Irish fishing industry in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2127/06]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The TACs and quotas for 2006 agreed by the Council of Fisheries Ministers in December 2005 were satisfactory from an Irish viewpoint and generally welcomed by the Irish industry. My main aim entering these negotiations was to secure a deal which gave Irish fishermen the best possible range of fishing opportunities for 2006, taking account of the socio-economic needs of the industry and the necessity to maintain a sustainable approach and rebuild certain key stocks.

In terms of that outcome, I emphasise in particular the important increases secured in key whitefish quotas such as hake, monkfish and prawns. These species have a value towards the higher end of the price spectrum and the higher quotas achieved will be beneficial in delivering increased income to the Irish industry in 2006. Notwithstanding the impact of ongoing stock recovery plans, the prospects for the industry in 2006 are reasonably positive and a good, balanced package of fish quotas is available to the sector. Overall, total fish quotas, both for whitefish and pelagic species, are at a similar level to 2005. In aggregate, the total for whitefish is 33,901 tonnes and the total for pelagic species is 165,463 tonnes.

It is appropriate that I should take this opportunity to indicate to the House the very important contribution made to the December Council by the newly established regional advisory councils. The input to the decision-making process from the fishing industry, through these new councils, contributed significantly to what was a successful Council outcome.