Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of European pelagic freezer vessels that currently operate in Irish waters; the way the activity of these vessels are monitored; the extent of landings, discards and quotas for these vessels for 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; his views on whether failure to monitor these leaves shore based industry at a disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35953/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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A number of EU Member States have quota entitlements for pelagic species in waters around Ireland and therefore their vessels, including pelagic freezer vessels, fish in Irish waters. The number of these vessels operating at any one time varies. Insofar as fisheries control and surveillance is concerned, the position is that all fishing vessels operating within the Irish fisheries patrol area are subject to checks by Irish control authorities, at sea or in Irish ports. Checks at sea of freezer vessels are particularly difficult. However, during inspections every effort is made by the Naval Service to verify that the catch on board agrees with that recorded in the logbook which is done by means of sampling. The primary focus of control of freezer vessels is inspection of landings. Procedures for such controls are outlined in Council Regulation 51/2006, Annex III. It should be noted that pelagic freezer vessels do not land their catch into Ireland.

In relation to quota uptake, it is the duty under EU law for each flag state to monitor quota uptake by their own vessels. I do not have specific landing data for pelagic freezer vessels of other Member States. When fisheries are closed as a result of the quota of a Member State being exhausted, the Naval Service is pro-active in monitoring the closure.

While statistics on the level of discarding are not readily available I am aware that the discarding of fish has become an increasing problem in recent years. I am committed to working with industry, the Commission and other Member States to find solutions that will ensure that, as far as possible, fish are not discarded. Discarding and "high grading" are very serious problems with pelagic freezer vessels and Ireland has been to the forefront in seeking action on this issue. I have strongly pressed the European Commission for the introduction of an observer programme for all large pelagic vessels. I will continue to focus on this issue and will work together with like minded Member States and with industry to deliver a strengthened monitoring and control regime to address the unacceptable practices of discarding and "high grading".

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Ireland's quota for blue whiting; the method of division of this quota; the number of pelagic boats receiving quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35954/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The revised Irish quota for Blue Whiting in 2006 is 53,399 tonnes. There was no individual quota issued to vessels in this fishery in 2006 and all boats were allowed to participate in the fishery. In 2006 23 refrigerated salt water (RSW) vessels and two Polyvalent vessels took part. This fishery was closed on the 3rd of March 2006.