Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 554: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his strategic proposals to ensure the survival and expansion of the native fishing industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22107/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Cawley report – Steering A New Course is the national strategic plan for the Irish fishing industry and the wider seafood sector. The review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) will also have a determining factor on the future of the Irish fishing industry.

In relation to the Cawley report, the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG) was set up in 2007 under the chairmanship of Dr Noel Cawley, comprised of stakeholders from all sectors of the industry as well as representatives from the relevant state agencies and from my Department. The group is charged with overseeing and driving the implementation of the strategic recommendations contained in the Cawley Report. Substantial progress has been made on a number of fronts, including the completion of a decommissioning scheme which was a key recommendations of the Cawley report. Implementing certain strategies contained in the Cawley report involves State support for the sector and progress in these areas will be dependent on the availability of funds. However, many of the measures involve improved practices, improved organisation and better co-ordination and co-operation and are not dependent on public funds. I am confident that significant progress on the delivery of this strategy will be achieved over the coming year.

With regard to the review of the CFP I am instigating a broad consultation process with all stakeholders, to feed into Ireland's response to the issues raised in the EU Commission's green paper published on 21 April 2009 on the CFP review. Dr Noel Cawley has been appointed to oversee these consultations. I will continue to work closely with all parties to drive both processes forward to deliver on and further develop the strategic change necessary to support Ireland's fishing industry.