Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The EU Commission’s proposal for the 2017 fishing opportunities was published on 27 October and a number of updates to the proposal have been issued throughout November. The levels of Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and the quotas for Ireland will, as usual, be determined at the Council meeting, held on 12 and 13 December. This will involve intensive negotiations with Member States and the EU Commission.

The process of preparing for the Council is well under way with my Department and Marine Agencies examining the current proposals on the key stocks of interest to Ireland. In order to inform my negotiations at the December Fisheries Council, a Sustainability Impact Assessment of the Commission proposal is currently being undertaken.

To facilitate and inform this assessment, a public consultation process was initiated, whereby all stakeholders were asked to submit their views on the Commission proposal for fishing opportunities for 2017. From November 2 to 25, an online web portal on www.fishingnet.ie was activated to enable the transmission of electronic submissions for consideration.

In addition, I have convened a meeting of stakeholders on December 2 which will give interested parties a further opportunity to outline their positions directly to me on the many aspects of this proposal.

Without pre-empting the SIA analysis, it is fair to say that I have significant concerns about some of the Commission’s proposals for demersal species of concern to Ireland as they stand. For example, there is a cut of 68% proposed for Celtic Sea cod, a cut of 9% for our vital prawn fishery and a cut of 28% for megrims to mention just a few.

I will not support cuts where reliable scientifically vetted additional information is available to inform the decision or where there is a real risk that the proposal would lead to increased discarding of fish. There is a high cost from a social and economic perspective when quota cuts are proposed and we have to be satisfied that in every case these cuts are justifiable. Fishing ports and communities all around our coast are dependent on fisheries for their very survival.

The impact assessment will be presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas on Tuesday 6th December 2016 for further scrutiny of the Commission Proposals in advance of the December Council.

Notwithstanding such robust preparation, I do not underestimate the challenge facing me at this very important Council. I will be doing my utmost to secure a positive and balanced package for our fishing sector in 2017 that not only supports further growth in our vital seafood sector but also underpins its long term sustainability.