Written answers

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food

Job Creation

5:00 pm

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will realign fishing quotas to provide more jobs in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7079/12]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My statutory role in relation to the allocation of fishing quotas is contained in Sections of 12 and 13 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 which requires me to act for the for the proper and effective management and conservation and rational exploitation of the State fishing quotas and opportunities. I consider that the industry itself is best placed to advise me on the management of fish quotas, including in terms of providing jobs in the sector. When making decisions in relation to developing policy concerning the allocation of quota, I go to considerable lengths to ensure that those likely to be affected by the decisions are fully consulted.

In relation to the monthly allocation of whitefish stocks, my Department officials and the representative producer organisations in the industry, both fishermen and onshore processors, meet each month to make recommendations to me in relation to the quota to be allocated in the coming month.

When making decision on the policy governing the allocation of pelagic stocks, such as mackerel and herring, an extensive consultation process is undertaken. These consultations provide the opportunity for those involved in the industry, to highlight their concerns and make recommendations concerning the policy. This is the process which was used to determine the polyvalent mackerel policy, the boarfish policy and the revised herring policy which is nearing conclusion.

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