A couple of weeks ago, I asked questions and received answers on the Common Fisheries Policy, Ireland's adherence to it, and the degree to which success could be recorded regarding fish conservation. I note now that there seem to be rumours abroad to the effect that the EU Commission proposes to take infringement proceedings against this country, which would have a consequential negative financial impact. How is it proposed to deal with that proposal since it is a major and very sensitive issue?

I thank Deputy Bernard Durkan for his question. The Government's strategy on dealing with infringement proceedings initiated by the Commission against us is twofold. By way of background, we already had a withholding of substantial funds, amounting to €2.7 million in 2017 and €4 million in 2018. As a consequence of non-compliance with a regulation of 2009 - we are the only member state that is not compliant - there is potential for the withholding of funds worth up to €37 million under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. That, allied to the possibility of successful infringement proceedings imposing additional daily fines on us, has necessitated movement by the Government on a statutory instrument to deal with an EU points system for serious offences in the fishing industry. It would be activated against a small minority who may be carrying out serious offences. I refer not only to Irish fishermen but also to all fishermen who fish in our waters.

That is part of the strategy to mitigate the case of infringement proceedings against us as well as the introduction of primary legislation to deal with a points system for skippers and masters of vessels.