This report is not a balanced report. It has failed to produce any objective or credible scientific evidence for the conclusions that it draws.

It seems to me that the argument of conservation is simply being used to protect the narrow selfish interests of one Member State.

There would also be economic consequences if this report were to be implemented. Ireland's fishermen already suffer unfairly because of European Union policy. The Fraga recommendations would threaten a sector of Irish fisheries which is worth an initial £4 million at first sale value and which provides some 800 jobs at sea and ashore.

For these reasons I cannot vote for this report.