Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 595: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the time-frame for the implementation of new measures adopted at a recent Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers to tackle the issue of illegal unreported and unregulated fishing; the role of the authorities here in these new arrangements; when he expects tangible benefits to flow for Irish fishermen from these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27089/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The new Council Regulation establishing a Community System to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing achieved political agreement at the recent Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers. After formal adoption at an upcoming Council, it is intended that the Regulation will come into effect from 1 January 2010.

In the meantime, detailed rules and procedures for implementation must be drawn up. This is a complex and wide ranging measure, addressing not only IUU fishing activities but the marketing, import and export of the resulting catches. For that reason, it will require actions from a number of responsible authorities in each Member State. My officials will be having discussions with relevant authorities here and putting arrangements in place to ensure the effective delivery of the new controls.

The amount of illegal fish products imported into the EU each year is estimated at 500,000 tonnes, with a value of €1.1bn or more. The new catch certification system and other tightening of controls will bring significant benefits for Irish and other EU fishermen when this unfair competition is removed from the market. Furthermore, the sustainable management of our fish stocks will no longer be undermined by the misreporting or non-reporting of catches.

I am confident that all of these measures will bring significant benefits which will greatly contribute to the long term viability of the industry for our fishermen, the vast majority of whom operate within the rules.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 596: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the arrangements and revised operational procedures agreed at a recent meeting between the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Federation of Irish Fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27090/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department.