Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will raise the problems of overfishing and the use of illegal nets and tackle by other EU fishing fleets in Irish waters as discussed by the Houses of the Oireachtas during the Fisheries Act 1980 discussions earlier in 2006 at the forthcoming EU sea fisheries negotiations under the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38840/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Over-fishing and illegal practices by other EU fishing fleets in Irish waters are and have been a matter of ongoing concern to me, to my colleague Minister of State Browne, and to the Department. Illegal practices militate against the protection of our fisheries resources, and their exploitation in a sustainable way into the future.

I have previously raised Ireland's concerns on these issues with Commissioner Borg and along with Minister Browne, I will continue to do so. A Commission proposal to introduce electronic log books is under consideration at today's Fisheries Council, which Minister Browne is attending. Ireland has been at the forefront at pushing for the introduction of this new technology which will provide a significantly enhanced capability for monitoring catches at sea.

The Common Fisheries Policy imposes obligations on all member states in relation to the monitoring and control of the activities of their fishing fleets, and Ireland will continue to press for strengthened controls at European level. The recently established Community Fisheries Control Agency will help to improve co-operation and co-ordination between the control authorities of member states.

At national level, our Control Authorities and our Naval Service are enhancing their monitoring and inspection systems, with upgraded communications systems, greater co-ordination between agencies and the appointment of additional inspection staff at our ports.

A new Sea Fisheries Protection Authority will come into being on 1 January 2007. The new Authority will further strengthen Ireland's capacity to monitor and control illegal activities in Irish waters.