Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

272. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the same way that there is a need for transparency in the Irish Farmers Association, if such transparency is also needed in the fishing industry, particularly in the context of the large amounts of money involved in quotas of fish which are a natural resource; the safeguards in place for dealing with lobbyists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44103/15]

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

In Ireland fish quotas are a public resource and managed on that basis. Demersal species are managed by way of Fisheries Management Notice under Section 12 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. The periodic allocations for demersal (whitefish and prawn) stocks, usually monthly, are made, following consultation with the industry. A notice is placed in the Irish Independent and the detailed arrangements are published on the Department’s website.

Each month I receive recommendations from industry representatives at the Quota Management Advisory Committee in relation to the monthly allocations to fishing vessels of demersal stocks. The Whitefish Quota Management Advisory Committee involving fishing industry representatives meets each month and, as far as possible, I take account of the recommendations for monthly regimes for particular stocks. Additional meetings are organised as required to discuss specific issues in particular fisheries that may arise, including in relation to pelagic stocks. The Committee is comprised of representatives from the four Fish Producer Organisations, National Inshore Fishery Forum, Fishing Co-Operatives, the Irish Fish Producers and Exporters Association and meetings are attended by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and officials from my Department.

In 2014, 40 separate demersal fish stocks were managed in consultation with the fishing industry and sea food processing representatives and 57 Fisheries Management Notices were published. This process is fully transparent in respect of fishing opportunities for vessels.

In respect of pelagic stocks, fisheries are managed in accordance with specific policies for each stock. These policies have been developed over time and amendments are subject to consultation with industry representatives and in the case of significant change a full public consultation. In relation to full public consultations, I made available any submissions, along with my decision and the policies are published on the Departments Website at

The pelagic fisheries are opened and closed taking account of, where appropriate, uptake level and industry recommendations. The allocation of fishing opportunities are managed by way of Authorisations and quota notifications issued under Section 13 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 to qualifying vessels. In some fisheries allocations for smaller vessels or for a by-catch are managed by way of Fisheries Management Notice.