asked the Minister for Fisheries if he will seek to have a levy per tonne, payable to the coastal state involved, introduced by the EEC in respect of fish caught in each country's economic zone.

I am satisfied that an arrangement of the nature proposed by the Deputy would have no prospect of acceptance by our partners in the Community.

Can the Minister say if he has put forward such a concept in any of the discussions that have taken place?

We have not and neither do I think it would be desirable to do so. I am sure that if the concept proposed in the question were put to the Irish fishermen they would not receive it well, to put it mildly, because such a concept would have to be on a non-discriminatory basis and, consequently, would apply to 10 per cent of the total catches of our fishermen taken in the waters of other member states.

Some of the Minister's colleagues, including the Minister for Health and Social Welfare, proposed in this House less than a year ago that Ireland be allowed retain all her fishery resources and they asked why, if the English could keep their oil and the Germans their coal and steel, we could not keep our fisheries. The Minister is not even prepared to suggest that a levy be put on the catches of foreigners.

I happen to be the person involved in the negotiations——

Unfortunately.

——and I am satisfied that such a proposal would not be listened to and that in fact it is something that could react to the detriment of Irish fishermen. I am sure that if the Deputy wishes to consult with the IFO and the IFPO he will find that they accord with that view.

The Minister might consult with the Minister for Finance.

I was under the impression that the Minister was not speaking to the IFO.

I have had very fruitful discussions with them in recent days.

34.