Written answers

Thursday, 19 October 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fisheries Protection

5:00 pm

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Government's approach to the forthcoming EU negotiations on the EU total allowable catch and quotas for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33432/06]

Photo of John BrowneJohn Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Council that will take place from 19-21 December next will decide on the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and Quotas and associated conditions for fish stocks for 2007.

The Council will be preceded by a series of working groups, technical expert groups and other meetings at which each Member State will endeavour to negotiate the best possible outcome to meet the interests of its own fishing industry. The priority for Ireland 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 is to ensure that Irish fishermen all around the coast will have the maximum possible quantity and range of fishing possibilities available to them in 2007 that can be justified on a sustainable basis.

The Commission's proposals for 2007 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.

In so far as Ireland is concerned, this may mean a number of measures including 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 Department and I will maintain close contact with industry representatives throughout these negotiations in relation to securing sustainable fishing opportunities for Irish fishermen.

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