Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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265. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of a meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10206/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Officials from my Department met the named individual on 17 July 2014 and the issues concern the Celtic Sea Herring Fishery.

In 2011, I asked the fishing industry and other interested parties to make proposals on the future management arrangements for all Irish herring fisheries, the Celtic Sea stock, the stocks off the North West coast and the Atlanto Scandian stock. The objective of the review was to deliver a policy which would ensure an economically and biologically sustainable fishery. I received over 20 sets of proposals and comments in relation to herring stocks management. It was very clear from these documents that there was no agreement within the industry as to how the future herring fishing opportunities should be managed. I asked my Department to examine the proposals received and to prepare for me a number of options, which as far as practically possible, took the views of stakeholders into account while delivering proper and effective management.

On 22 December 2011, I published a draft policy document on the matter which I believe met the objectives to the greatest extent possible. I consulted and met industry regarding the draft policy and again there was no consensus.

Having considered all views and having regard to the sustainability of the fisheries, I came to a decision which I believe provides for the proper and effective management and conservation and rational exploitation of the herring stocks. The review increased the overall proportion of fish which could be caught in the sentinel fishery from 8% to 11%. The outcome of the rebuilding plan has meant that the overall Celtic Sea herring quota has increased from a low of 6,000 tonnes in 2009 to a quota of over 13,000 tonnes for 2015.

The issues which the named individual has raised in connection with this policy are complex and are currently being examined in the Department.