asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has to deal with the flagship issue and quota hopping in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Flag-of-Convenience Vessels.
69.
This problem has been with us for the past few years. A number of vessels owned by Irish registered companies with predominantly Spanish interests have been registered as Irish vessels thereby gaining access to Irish quotas. As the Deputy is aware, the 1983 Sea Fisheries Amendment Act was introduced to deal with this problem and the threat of a large number of English registered flag-of-convenience vessels. Since 1983, sea fishing boat licences held in respect of Irish registered vessels have contained a requirement in some form that at least 75 per cent of the crews must be EC nationals, with the exception of Greek, Spanish and Portuguese nationals for specified periods. There have been several challenges to this provision in the courts here and the matter has also been referred to the European Court of Justice.
I am aware of the deep feeling and resentment experienced by genuine Irish fishermen at the activities of these vessels. I am also anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit from the fishing of Irish quotas should accrue to the Irish economy. It was for these reasons that I raised this matter specifically at the Council of Fisheries Ministers held in Brussels on 29 September 1987, where I stressed the need for a Community solution. The Commission accepted that this was a major problem for Ireland and promised to try and find an early solution.