Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way he will undertake consultations with stakeholders on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25941/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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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.

The Green Paper on the reform of the current CFP, published by the European Commission on 21 April 2009 has initiated a Pan-European consultation process on the issue. Because of the importance of the CFP as the strategic blueprint for fisheries across Europe this debate will be wide ranging.

Member States proposals are requested by the end of this year and a summary of the consultation process will be published in 2010. It will be followed by a legislative proposal to the Council and the European Parliament to be adopted in 2011, with a view to its entering into force in 2012. It is clear that every aspect of the CFP is up for review and will require detailed attention.

In Ireland the CFP review has already been on the agenda at a number of formal and informal meetings with industry. Indeed, the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has indicated its intention to pursue a process to develop its position in the matter and I welcome this and await the result of their deliberations.

It is my clear intention that the review process in Ireland will be an all inclusive one, facilitating the exchange of views from all interested stakeholders. I intend to engage in a parallel process of consultations with all stakeholders to inform Ireland's position. In that regard, Minister of State, Deputy Killeen appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to oversee a consultative process which will form a vital input to Ireland's negotiating framework for the CFP Review. Minister of State, Deputy Killeen is in consultation with Dr. Cawley in relation to the detailed arrangements for this review. The first step will involve an open call for submissions.