593. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the European states that Minister Dooley visited or contacted prior to the fisheries council seeking their support for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73776/25]

In the weeks leading up to the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council, I had bilateral meetings with the Ministers with responsibility for Fisheries in Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Poland and Germany.

I also had bilateral meetings on the margins of last week's Council with France and the Netherlands.

Furthermore, I met with the Danish Presidency and the Fisheries Commissioner, on a number of occasions throughout the year to garner support for Ireland's position.