Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 573: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to our fishing industry, the proposals he has to manage harvest to match sustainable supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8257/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Total Allowable Catches (TAC) and quotas are set each year taking account of the scientific advice for each stock. On November 23 2011, I presented a Sustainability Impact Assessment of EU Commission Proposal on TACs and quotas for 2012 to the Dail. This assessment set out my strategy for the negotiation of Ireland's quotas. Following intensive negotiations at the December EU Fisheries Council TACs and quotas were established which protected the Irish fishing industry while respecting the most up-to-date scientific data for priority stocks of critical importance to our fleets.

Fish quotas are managed each year in close consultation with industry representatives.

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.