Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proposals he has for the allocation of the 3% increase in the mackerel quota; the way this increase in quota will be distributed; if he will ensure that at least 50% of the initial quota be allocated to a fleet (details supplied) in view of the fact that the fleet is committed to land at least 90% of their allocation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42022/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The overall Total Allowable Catch for mackerel will increase by 33% in 2009. However, Ireland's mackerel quota will not be fully determined until such time as the current EU/Norway Fisheries negotiations are completed over the coming weeks.

My colleague, Minister Tony Killeen has already received a range of diverse views from industry representatives and operators regarding how any additional mackerel quota should be allocated. In that context, he is consulting with the Federation of Irish Fishermen with a view to establishing whether an agreed industry approach to this matter can be found.