asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the growing practice whereby fishing boats from non-EEC countries, in particular Spain, are being registered in Britain and the Channel Islands for the purpose of fishing within the Irish 200-mile limit; and the measures he intends to take to stop this practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Limits.
16.
The Deputy will be aware that it is not within my power to control or restrict the registration of fishing vessels in another State.
I am aware that a number of vessels, formerly registered in Spain and re-registered in Britain and the Channel Island, have been fishing in our waters. However, I understand that the British authorities have introduced measures which are designed to restrict the registration of non-EEC fishing vessels in Britain for the purpose of gaining access to Community waters. In regard to vessels registered in the Channel Islands, I am considering amendments to existing legislation which would have the effect of specifically excluding such vessels from fishing in our waters.
Is this not sharp practice and must it not be stopped immediately? This practice is on the increase and will undermine the effect of the EEC.
I am aware of the situation but, as I said already, the Deputy will be familiar with the fact that it is not within our power to control what is being done in other states. In the emerging common fisheries policy which we hope to conclude very shortly, I hope that we will be able to restrict this practice. Vessels have already been arrested in our waters and there have been convictions. In relation to the Channel Islands, we will have to discuss that situation with the Attorney General's office to see how we can amend our legislation.
What form would the amendments take?
The amendment which we would have in mind would be an extension of the Maritime Jurisdiction Acts. At the moment we are considering these in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to bringing forward an amendment in that regard.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Would the Minister consider suggesting in cases where the ships in question are Spanish-owned although British registered that for the purposes of EEC regulations they would be regarded as Spanish-registered and Spanish-owned?
I will have that matter considered.
I would like to ask——
Would Deputy D'Arcy please allow me to proceed to question No. 17?
I merely want to know has the Minister brought this to the notice of the Commission and, if so, what is their attitude?
That is a separate question.
No, it is not. The Minister said that he was aware of it.
It would be a separate question, Deputy.
If he was aware of the fact, has he brought it to the notice of the Commission?
That is a completely separate question.
Therefore, the Minister took no steps.
The Commissioners will be aware of this and in the common fisheries policy discussions this can be dealt with.
May I take it that the Minister has not brought it to the notice of the Commission?
Question No. 17.