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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

102 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the discriminatory way drift net fishermen are being treated in connection with £2 million spent on diversification trails since 1998; if he will investigate the anomaly in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5624/02]

When the ban on the use of drift nets in the Albacore tuna fishery was agreed at the June 1998 Fisheries Council, Ireland pressed successfully for research funding from the Commission to assist the development of alternative fishing techniques and technology transfer. The objective was to assist Irish fishermen to convert to other means of fishing for the species.

The resulting diversification trials, which BIM have organised since 1998, have produced positive results. These trials were widely advertised and participation in them was open to all interested fishermen. Accordingly, the question of discriminatory treatment does not arise.

In addition to securing a significant quota of 3,158 tonnes for this species in both 2001 and this year, we have also won agreement at EU level to allow Ireland to double the number of vessels in the tuna fishery. Up to 50 Irish vessels can participate in the tuna fishery this year. All the indications are that demand will exceed this maximum number of available licences. My Department will be consulting with the industry shortly in relation to the finalisation of arrangements for participation in this year's fishery.

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