Friday, 22 May 2009 – Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today announced that he has appointed Dr Noel Cawley to oversee the consultations with stakeholders and develop Ireland’s negotiating framework for the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Review.

On 21 April 2009, the European Commission published a Green Paper on the latest reform of the CFP in order to launch a consultation with Member States and stakeholders and to initiate a broad public debate on the future CFP reform.   Minister Killeen said he was determined to ensure that this review process in Ireland was broad ranging and comprehensive and delivered a clear and robust Irish position to maximise Ireland’s case at the Fisheries Council negotiations during 2010 and 2011.

Dr Noel Cawley is a former Chief Executive of the Irish Dairy Board and is currently chair of Teagasc and the Seafood Development Strategy Implementation Group.  He has already worked closely with fishermen when he chaired the Government appointed independent strategy development team for the seafood industry.  This strategy for the period 2007–2013 Steering A New Course has formed the blueprint for the development of the sector and Dr Cawley has continued his involvement by chairing an Implementation Committee for the Strategy involving all of the key players in the seafood industry.

Under the planned EU timetable for the review, a summary of the consultation process will be published in 2010.  It will be followed by a legislative proposal to the Council and the European Parliament to be adopted in 2011, with a view to its entering into force in 2012.

According to Minister Killeen, “It is clear that every aspect of the CFP is up for review and will require detailed attention.  Ireland’s national position will be developed by Dr. Cawley following a thorough opportunity to hear and understand the views and situation of all stakeholders around the country.”

Minister Killeen added, “I consider that it is critical here at home to have a broad and in depth review of the CFP policy that takes account of the views of all interested stakeholders.   The CFP review has been on the agenda at a number of formal and informal meetings with industry, most recently at the Sea Fisheries Consultative Council meeting on the 7th May. The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has indicated its intention to pursue a process to develop its position in the matter and the result of its deliberations will feed into Dr Cawley’s work programme.  Dr Cawley will engage in a parallel process of consultations with all stakeholders, including the FIF, to inform Ireland’s position on the review.  I have asked Dr Cawley to lead that process and to develop a strong negotiating position for Ireland that maximises the benefits for employment and economic activity in our coastal communities.”

-ENDS-

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900

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