asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if any trawlers have been registered in this country by citizens of other countries during 1979; if so, the number of such registrations, and the nationality of the individuals or companies involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Registration of Non-Irish Trawlers.
11.
Under the Merchant Shipping and Mercantile Marine Acts, only the following may own Irish registered ships (including fishing vessels): (a) the Government, (b) a Minister of State, (c) an Irish citizen, (d) an Irish body corporate (which means a body established under and subject to the law of the State and having its principal place of business in the State), (e) citizens of bodies corporate of states which are declared to be reciprocating states by the Government. At present these states are the United Kingdom and Colonies, Canada, New Zealand and Pakistan.
Registration of ships is carried out by the Chief Officer of Customs and Excise at various ports of registry in the State. As regards registration by citizens of reciprocating states, my information is that there has been one vessel, jointly owned by Irish and UK citizens, registered in the period in question.