Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the area of inshore fishery that can be exempted from the Common Fisheries Policy restrictions on fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29276/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Commission Proposal on the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, COM (2011) 425 final was circulated by the European Commission on the 13th July 2011. The Common Fisheries Policy covers all fisheries and fish stocks and there would not be a basis for excluding inshore fisheries from the Policy. The CFP sets down the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks, many of which are not subject to quota.

The proposed reformed CFP extends, to 2022, the right for Member States to restrict access in a zone within 12 nautical miles of the coastline as is currently in place. These restrictions have reduced fishing pressure in the 12 miles zone and have provided a level of protection against increased fishing effort from other Member States within the zone.

My overarching goal for the new CFP is for a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to deliver a sustainable and eco centred fisheries landscape for future generations. I am pursuing initiatives that will deliver and sustain jobs in coastal communities rather than those that promote the concentration of wealth and delivery of excessive profits for a few big international businesses.

I intend to continue to liaise with our industry and other stakeholders over the coming months to pursue and secure Ireland's priorities in a reformed Common Fisheries Policy.