Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the Government's approach to the annual EU sea fisheries negotiations under the Common Fisheries Policy and on his targets for the key quotas and TACs, the industry here may face in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38839/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and Quotas and associated conditions for fisheries for 2007 under the Common Fisheries Policy will be decided at the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers from 19-21 December 2006. The Council will be preceded by a series of working groups and other meetings at which each Member State will endeavour to negotiate the best possible outcome in the interests of its own fishing industry and having regard for scientific advice.

The European Commission will come forward shortly with proposals for 2007 taking account of the scientific advice recently published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

Ireland will consider the Commission's proposals for 2007 in the light of the scientific advice, current measures in place (including recovery plans and effort restrictions) and in consultation with our industry representatives in order to determine a national position.

The priority for Ireland at this Council will be to ensure that Irish fishermen will have the maximum possible quantity and range of fishing possibilities available in 2007, taking into account the need for effective conservation measures in our waters. Some 40 fish stocks are of interest to Irish fishermen and an overriding imperative for both the Government and the Irish fishing industry will be to achieve a balanced outcome, in order that the stocks are managed and exploited on a sustainable basis.

My colleague, Minister of State John Browne, together with the Department, will maintain close contact with industry representatives throughout these negotiations.