Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) is a formal consultative committee, involving my Department and fishing industry representatives from the catching, inshore and processing sectors. The purpose of the committee is to make recommendations to me for particular stocks. I follow these recommendations for regimes for particular stocks, subject to the proper management and rational exploitation of our fisheries in line with National Policy.

The Committee is currently composed of:-

• Representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (including a senior Departmental official acting as Chairperson);
• Representatives from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority;
• One representative from each of the six Producer Organisations:
  • Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation,
  • Irish Fish Producers Organisation,
  • Irish South & East Fish Producers Organisation,
  • Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation;
  • Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation;
  • National Inshore Fishermen's Association;
• One representative from the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association;
• One representative from the National Inshore Fisheries Forum; and
• One representative from the Co-Operative group.

The Regional Inshore Fisheries Fora (RIFFs) are not members of the QMAC. However, representatives of the RIFFs may attend the QMAC as guests of another QMAC member.

None of the current QMAC members have indicated an intention to withdraw from the QMAC. However, I am aware that some members of the North West Herring Advisory Committee (NWHAC) have indicated an intention to withdraw from that Committee. My Department will work with the NWHAC to address this issue.

I can assure the Deputy that I meet with fishing sector representatives on a regular basis to update them on developments at national and EU level and to hear their priorities and concerns.