John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 862: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures in place to ensure accurate reporting of catch statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28848/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Department recognises the importance of accurate reporting of catch statistics. With this in mind, the Department invested in a new computer system, IFIS, (The Integrated Fisheries Information System) which was introduced in early 2005. This system provides a single centralised database containing all information in relation to the administration and enforcement of Sea Fisheries legislation which integrates the related business processes of Licensing, Registration and Sea Fisheries Control. This system also enhances the ability of the Department to meet its obligations in relation to the provision of timely catch data to the European Commission under the Common Fisheries Policy. Of course the primary source of catch data going into this new system is the fishing industry itself. All fishing vessels over 10 metres in length are required to keep a logbook of fishing activities, the species caught, the quantities, the location caught and the fishing gear used. This information is transferred from the logbook onto the IFIS system by the control authorities at the port. Improvements in the recording of data in the logbook and the data capture process, together with an enhanced control and inspection regime supported by dedicated training programmes, will ensure that the catch data provided by Ireland meets the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, going forward.