Christy O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made during the recent series of meetings with fishermen on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36070/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As you are aware, the European Commission published a Green Paper last April on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The launch of this paper was aimed at stimulating broad public debate on the future of the CFP ahead of the next review of the Policy, scheduled for 2012. The Policy, which was first put in place in 1983, has been subject to reviews every 10 years. The most recent review was in 2002.

I along with Minister of State Tony Killeen strongly believe, that this review must be informed by the views of our stakeholders, so that a clear and robust Irish position can be developed. Following the publication of the Green Paper, Minister of State Killeen appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to oversee the consultation process with Irish stakeholders. Dr. Cawley is actively seeking the views of all stakeholders in order to ensure that the Irish submission on the reform of the CFP is as detailed and comprehensive as possible.

To discuss the reform of the CFP directly with the fishermen themselves, Minister of State Killeen along with Dr Cawley, attended a series of meetings around the country at the end of August. Minister of State Killeen talked with fishermen about what changes they would like to see made to the CFP, and he listened closely to their views as they are best placed to understand the current Policy's problems and shortcomings. In addition to these efforts, the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has undertaken a process to develop its position on the matter. The result of its deliberations will feed into Dr Cawley's work programme and the formation of Ireland's position on the review.

The FIF held a conference on the CFP review on Friday, 9 October, at the Radisson Hotel, Dublin Airport. At this seminar a large gathering of fishermen from all around the country listened to contributions from a broad range of experienced experts in the field of fisheries. Further meetings involving stakeholders, including processors, environmental NGOs and the aquaculture sector are planned during the next couple of weeks. The outcome of these meetings will be compiled by Dr Cawley into a formal report and this will inform Ireland's national position during the CFP review. All Member States, including Ireland, have been invited to submit written comments by 31 December 2009 and Minister of State Killeen is satisfied that the consultation process put in place will ensure that the views of all stakeholders are fully understood and we are in a position to meet this deadline.