Jim Glennon (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the Marine Institute report comparing EU log book data and the results of scientific surveys was provided to him; and when and the way in which it was conveyed to the European Commission. [8788/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Marine Institute formally reported to the Department in October 2005 that it had wide ranging data from its scientific work which showed a consistent high level of illegal landings by whitefish boats in respect of trips where Marine Institute staff were on board the vessel. The report was submitted by the chief executive of the Marine Institute to the Secretary General of my Department on 26 October 2005 and was forwarded to me the following day.

Following consideration of the matter by the Government and once the advice of the Attorney General had been received, the then Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, wrote to Dr. Joe Borg, the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, seeking a meeting to discuss this and other matters relating to possible illegal fishing. I, together with Minister of State, Deputy Browne, met the Commissioner on 20 February 2006 and presented him with the report, excluding an appendix which listed individual fishing vessels by name. In this regard I wish to clarify to the House, regarding my contribution on Report and Final Stages in the Dáil on the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005 on 22 February 2006, that the Marine Institute's findings were not sent directly to the Commission by the Marine Institute.

At the meeting on 20 February we also outlined to the Commissioner the measures which the Government has taken, and which it plans to take, to substantially strengthen fisheries control and to address this very serious issue. These measures, of which the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill is a critical part, are vital to place the fishing industry on a sustainable, legally secure and equitable footing for the future.