Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects the fishing industry to develop over the coming four years with particular reference to likely fish catches under various species headings and the anticipated added value to processing arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7370/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware individual fishing opportunities and quotas are determined on an annual basis by the EU Fisheries Council in line with the mechanisms and procedures laid down in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). These take account of best available scientific information and involve all relevant stakeholders. Current proposals for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy process, which have been prioritised by the Irish EU Presidency, encompass a range of innovative proposals for measures to eliminate the practice of discards, that is the dumping fish at sea, achieving appropriate maximum long term sustainable yields (MSYs) and the introduction of effective fair transparent regionalisation mechanisms will, if agreed by EU Member States, all help support the ongoing development of a sustainable and thriving Irish and European fishing industry for the future.

Addressing these issues effectively will also help to ensure the maintenance of jobs in the fishing industry while enabling a climate of innovation to thrive in both the fisheries and aquaculture sector. During the Irish Presidency one of my goals is to make significant progress on the CFP reform agenda to ensure 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 sustainable fisheries for future generations. Addressing these issues effectively will also help to ensure the maintenance of jobs in the fishing industry while enabling a climate of innovation to thrive in the fisheries sector.