asked the Minister for the Marine the present position regarding the relationship of Irish Lights to Trinity House; if it is intended to renegotiate the existing arrangements for the control and development of Irish Lights; and if any changes contemplated would alter the liability of Irish boatmen and fishermen using Irish and United Kingdom port facilities.
Written Answers. - Irish Lights.
89.
The Commissioners of Irish Lights are the general lighthouse authority throughout Ireland and adjacent seas and islands. The Trinity House are the general lighthouse authority through England and Wales and The Channel Islands and the adjacent seas and islands.
While the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, provided for the control by the Trinity House of certain activities of the Commissioners of Irish Lights and authorised the Trinity House and their servants to enter lighthouses in the area vested in the Commissioners of Irish Lights, these provisions no longer apply. The Commissioners of Irish Lights are not in any way subordinate to the Trinity House.
There is regular contact between the relevant UK authorities and my Department designed to ensure the effective running of the lights. Questions of liability for UK light dues are a matter of UK domestic law. Merchant Shipping and fishing vessels of any nationality above a minimum size which load or discharge at United Kingdom ports are legally liable to pay light dues. Fishing vessels loading or discharging at ports in this State are not so liable.