Celtic Sea herring quota
Daly sought an increase to the proposed Celtic Sea quota, which he considered unjustifiably low. The Minister said he would seek at least the previous year’s 7,000-tonne quota for Irish boats.
In relation to the Celtic Sea proposal, does the 5,000 tonnes refer exclusively to Irish boats or are other member states involved?
Comment on this
A reduction of 7,000 to 5,000 tonnes in the quota for the Celtic Sea is virtually a closure of that sea. I do not think that the amount of stocks justifies a reduction of that nature. Can the Minister of State give an assurance that every effort will be made by him to ensure that this quota is substantially increased, bearing in mind that stocks in the Celtic Sea can yield a substantially increased quota over the 5,000 tonnes to which he referred?
Comment on this
These are only proposals and I assure the Deputy that the Minister and I will be endeavouring to get at least the 7,000 tonnes quota we got last year in the Celtic Sea, exclusively for Irish boats. However, the Deputy must remember that the total allowable catch has been reduced by the EEC in all cases. These negotiations are ongoing and it will take some time before any conclusions are reached. Everything will be done to ensure that we get the maximum quota, especially in the Celtic Sea, in view of the scientific reports which are now available.