Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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199. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he plans to prevent the closure of all other fisheries in view of the zero TAC that has been advised for cod and whiting in area 6A and the fact that the landing obligation is coming into effect from 1 January 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52446/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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While there was a zero TAC advice from ICES for cod and whiting in Area 6a, that is not the proposal on the table from the Commission. The Commission has  proposed a “Union TAC” for these two stocks - 1461 tonnes for cod and 937 tonnes for whiting. These TAC's are intended to cover by catches in targeted fisheries only and no directed fishing for these two species would be allowed. The Commission's rationale for setting a limited TAC is to support targeted fisheries and avoid closure arising from insufficient quota for unavoidable by catches of cod and whiting. I fully support this rationale.

I do not support, however, the proposal that Member States will not receive their quota shares for these two stocks, and three others of relevance to Ireland, in the normal way (relative stability shares). I am very concerned about this potential aspect of the Commission proposal as it is likely to create more issues than it solves. Ireland is working closely with other relevant Member Sates to provide that a TAC is set and allocated in accordance with relative stability. Our objective is that key commercial fisheries are not closed early due to a 'choke' situation.

Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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200. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he will ensure the economic sustainability of the fishing fleet in view of some of the proposed reductions in key stocks, for example, 32% in nephrops and other stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52447/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The annual TAC and Quota negotiations are always a challenge and this year will be no different. While the process for deciding TAC levels concludes in December, our preparation begins much earlier.  My aim in all of these negotiations is always, in consultation with the stakeholders, to ensure that we have a profitable and sustainable fishing industry that will continue to benefit our coastal communities.

I share the deputies concern about a number of the proposals including Nephrops, our second most important stock. 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.  As part of this, I launched a public consultation as part of our Sustainability Impact Assessment, which went before the Oireachtas. This process is invaluable and helps me identify the key areas of concern.

Discussions have also taken place with many parties on issues in relation to December Council. There are high level meetings with the Commission, the Presidency and other Member States as part of the preparation for the December Fisheries Council and a number of important technical meetings.  I also engaged with a number of my Ministerial colleagues at Agriculture & Fisheries Council in November. These meetings 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 the December Council.  

I endeavour to ensure that I am comprehensively prepared for all potential issues discussed at December Council. Where cuts are proposed we must ensure that they are justified by the scientific advice and that the advice from ICES is being applied correctly by the Commission and in a fair and consistent manner. 

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.