Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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454. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the initial draft proposals issued from the European Commission regarding the TACs and quota for fishing for 2018; the steps he has taken prior to the December 2017 European Commission meeting on this matter in order to protect the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49366/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has an interest in 57 separate stocks that are managed under the Common Fisheries Policy by way of the TAC (Total Allowable Catch) & Quota system.

The Commission published it's proposals for 46 of these on the 7th of November. The remaining proposals, some of which are dependent on the outcome of ongoing international negotiations, are expected over the coming weeks.

With regard to the specific proposals that we have, I have launched a public consultation as part of our Sustainability Impact Assessment and I look forward to the outcome of that process which I intend to lay before the Oireachtas on the 28th of this month.

While we only received the Commission proposals earlier this month, our preparation began much earlier. In many respects, it is an all-year affair with the scientific data used to inform the negotiations collected continuously over a 12-month period. It is the publication of this data from June onwards that allows us to begin our preparation in earnest as the advice gives a strong indication of what the proposals might look like.

The long term scenario is unquestionably more important than short term gain and I’ve often spoken about the importance of ensuring healthy, sustainable stocks. Nevertheless, if a severe cut is recommended, I have a clear duty to ensure that it is fully justified. I am always conscious of the immediate impacts the decisions taken at the December Fisheries Council have for so many communities around our coast. This is why I believe the advance preparation should be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible involving my own Department as well as Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute; all industry representatives and the Environmental Pillar. This process is invaluable and helps me identify the key areas of concern.

I should also point out that the December Council doesn’t happen in isolation from other fisheries negotiations. A range of international meetings that effectively decide the quotas for some very important stocks such as mackerel, blue whiting Atlanto Scandian Herring and Albacore tuna are also conducted. Ireland is a very active participant at all of these negotiations and they form part of the broader picture for our fishing opportunities that is sometimes forgotten in the bustle of December Council.

In parallel to those negotiations, work is ongoing for myself and my team throughout the run up to December with a number of important technical meetings. These meetings are not bureaucratic formalities. They help me to understand the priorities of other Member States and also gauge where Ireland can build relationships to help us deliver our priorities at Council.

This year, as always, we are facing challenging proposals in a number of fisheries. Without pre-empting the outcome of the Sustainability Impact Assessment, or going into a stock by stock analysis, it is is safe to say that I am concerned about a number of the proposals, particularly but not exclusively, for stocks in the Celtic Sea. Where cuts are justified by the scientific advice I will support them but, unfortunately, I do not think that all of the cuts proposed by the Commission are so justified.

The Hague preferences, with which the Deputy is very familiar and indeed was a key figure in defending them during the Reform of the CFP, will, as usual come under attack. Their retention is never certain and this year, in the context of Brexit, there is likely to be a renewed effort to limit their application.

The December Council is always a challenge and this year will be no different. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland is well prepared and I will do my utmost to ensure that the final outcome is one that is good for the industry and the long term sustainability of the stocks.