Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Killybegs port, County Donegal, has not been approved as a designated port for the landing of herring caught in the Celtic Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31658/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The ports of landing designated for herring from the Celtic Sea fishery have traditionally been ports on the South Coast. Recently a request has been received to consider the designation of Killybegs and Rossaveal for the landing of this stock. This request has been referred to the Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee for it's views on the request.

The Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee (CSHMAC) has been in place for a number of years to advise the Minister on the management arrangements for the stock. This Committee comprises representatives of industry and processors and is chaired by the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFPO). The Department is not represented on the Committee nor is any other State agency. However, the Marine Institute advises the Committee from time to time on scientific issues relating to the stock and was very involved with the Committee in the preparation of a Rebuilding Plan for the Stock which was accepted by the Minister and submitted to the EU Commission.

When the Committee has considered the request and communicated it's views I will come to a determination on the matter, based on a number of factors, including the views of the CSHMAC.