P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 181: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken to renegotiate Ireland's fishery policy in the European Union; the progress made with Ireland's European colleagues in these renegotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12428/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union which was first put in place in 1983 and has been subject to reviews every 10 years, the most recent was in 2002 and the next is formally scheduled for 2012. Work has already commenced in preparation for the review with the publication of a Commission Working Paper in September 2008 and the launch of a phase of analysis and consultation. The French Presidency also held an informal Fisheries meeting in September (on margins of the Fisheries Council) on the reform process. A public hearing of the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament was held on the 10th February on the reform of the CFP, the highlight of which was a speech by Commissioner Borg. It is clear from that speech that absolutely everything within the current framework of the CFP is open for discussion. The Commission are now expected to publish a Green Paper on the review which will be up for debate at the April Agriculture and Fisheries Ministerial Council. This will be followed by public consultation later in the year and a legislative proposal next year with a view to adoption in early 2012. I am committed to working closely with the Federation of Irish Fishermen, other stakeholders and other like minded Member States to strengthen the current policy for the betterment of fisheries.