Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position he will be taking in relation to the latest cuts proposed in the quota allocated to Irish fishermen in Irish waters. [43956/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The very poor state of many whitefish stocks targeted by the Irish fishing fleet is clearly reflected in the decreases in annual Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quota allocations that Ireland receives and in the landings of the fishing fleet over the past decade. The levels of TAC and ultimately quotas for Ireland are determined each year at the December Fisheries Council following negotiations with Member States and the EU Commission. This process for 2009 has already begun in earnest with the publication of the Commission's proposals which will be the subject of detailed and protracted discussions over the coming weeks. This Commission proposal sets out cuts in many of the stocks of economic importance to our fleet and also envisages other measures which will adversely impact on our fishing industry, including a proposed closure for the whitefish fleet off the north west.

However, not all stocks are subject to decreases in TACs with the mackerel TAC going up by 33% from 456,000 tonnes in 2008 to 605,000 tonnes in 2009. This will result in the net Irish quota (after deductions for the payback for undeclared Scottish landings) going from approx 45,000 tonnes to 62,000 tonnes. However, this TAC increase remains to be formally agreed and must be protected against any proposal that a part would be transferred to Norway in the EU/ Norway negotiations which are currently ongoing.

This hugely significant increase is the reward for Irish fishermen adopting tough responsible fishing practices for this stock. In value terms using an estimated price per tonne of €1,200, this results in an increase of over €20m to the Pelagic fishing sector in 2009 (from €54m to €74.4m).

Notwithstanding the good news on mackerel, I am concerned with the level of cuts proposed for the whitefish stocks, the proposed closure in the north west and other measures proposed and their socio economic impact on fishermen and fishing communities. I can assure the Deputy that I am actively engaged, as are my officials, in delivering the best possible deal for Ireland and there will be a lot of long days and late nights in the upcoming negotiations before a settlement is reached on the final package of measures.