104 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has responded to the infringement proceedings initiated by the EU Commission against Ireland regarding a supertrawler (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28927/01]

My Department is preparing a reply to the European Commission concerning the infringement proceedings which will be submitted before the stipulated deadline of 24 December 2001. Negotiations continue to be ongoing with the Commission on the matters in question.