Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 409: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce the Celtic Sea fishery allocations for herring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23799/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 2011 I asked the fishing industry and other interested parties to make proposals on the future management arrangements for all Irish herring fisheries. In response to my notification of the review, a number of proposals were received from industry, many offering conflicting views, particularly in regard to the need to ring fence the fisheries. Taking account of the views expressed I issued a draft policy for consultation in December 2011. Following this, in February of this year, I met with and consulted the industry on the matter. I have asked my Department to bring to a conclusion as soon as possible the analysis of the data and to bring forward options to integrate where possible the views of the industry with the draft policy already issued. I then intend to make a final decision on the management arrangements for the 2012 herring fisheries. Revised arrangements, if any, will be on the basis that they deliver a proper and effective management regime for the stock.