I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 55 together.
I do not accept that the development of the Irish sea fishing industry is being hindered by the Department's policy in relation to the issue of boat licences. I referred to this matter earlier.
Under section 222B, inserted by section 2 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1983, of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959, the Minister for the Marine may issue or refuse applications for sea fishing boat licences.
In view of the quotas allocated to Ireland for various stocks and the need to generally reduce the fleet size in terms of gross registered tonnage (GRT) under the EC structures programmes, there has been a tightening up of the issuing of licences with preferential treatment for cases where replacement on a tonne-for-tonne basis occurs. Such a policy has already existed for some time for pelagic vessels and beam trawlers. However, all applications are being considered on their own individual merits. My concern is to ensure that any new entrant will be economically viable and will be so without unreasonably displacing the vessels already in the fleet.
As far as our development plan for fisheries is concerned, the Deputies will be aware that the main emphasis of the plan is in non-quota species and aquaculture with a determined approach to both management of quota fisheries, and improved handling and fishing techniques. A number of exploratory fishing initiatives are being undertaken this year, in line with the programme prepared for us by BIM and approved and funded by the Government and the industry.