Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on introducing a temporary licensing system for the fishing of non-quota species only (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17266/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Fisheries Council acting on a proposal from the EU Commission decides which fish stocks are subject to a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quota regime. The allocation of quotas (per-cent shares) between Member States is based to a large extent on recent track record of fishing by Member States fishing fleets.

The stocks in western waters specified by the Deputy are not at this time subject to a TAC and quota regime. Consequently, it is open to any registered fishing vessel to target such species. If industry representatives wish to introduce national management arrangements in respect of these species I will certainly consider any proposals that they may have.