asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Spain has supplied the Irish Government with the registration number, names and tonnage of boats fishing in Irish waters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Boat Particulars.
24.
The Council of Ministers of the EEC decided on 5th April, 1977 to introduce a licensing system for Spanish boats fishing in waters of the Community member states. This would involve the Spanish authorities furnishing to the Community the details mentioned in the Deputy's question.
The implementation of the licensing system has been delayed because of strong representations by Spain to the Community regarding the number of boats which it was proposed to license. The Community has now advised the Spanish authorities that they must apply for licences without further delay. The present arrangement is an interim one, operated autonomously by the Community, pending the conclusion of a definitive agreement on fishing rights with Spain.
Can I take it from the reply that Spain is in the position of Third World countries in relation to fishing in the 200-mile area? I understood from the Minister last week that Spain would be included in a slightly different category.
Their position is different from other third countries being participants in the London Convention. In that respect there is a difference but a similar system is being applied to them in regard to licensing as to other third countries who are permitted to fish in Community waters. Some third countries are totally excluded and, therefore, no licensing system applies.