Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 123: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the series of tragedies for the Irish fishing industry and coastal communities over the past month, he is instigating a review of how the impact of restrictions placed on the days on which boats can put to sea, in order to preserve stocks, is now forcing fishermen to take unacceptable risks; if he is examining measures to improve the safety and livelihood of fishermen working along the Irish coastline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5246/07]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 168: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether management procedures for fishing days should be changed in order to facilitate safer fishing. [5302/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 168 together.

I assume the Deputies are both referring to the set fishing periods specified for herring and certain other species. I refer the Deputies to my response to Parliamentary Questions No. 273 and 274 on Wednesday last, 7 February. As I stated in that response, the management arrangements in place for the herring fisheries have been developed in consultation with industry representatives. This is also the case for other fisheries. I go to great lengths to accommodate any reasonable request from the industry. If the industry proposes to me that alternative arrangements be employed in any fishery, including in relation to fishing periods, I will be happy to consider them.