asked the Minister for the Marine if he will approve applications for factory type fishing vessels to exploit the stocks of argentine species in deep water Atlantic fisheries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Vessels.
9.
I have received no such applications. If and when such applications are received they will be considered on their merits.
I have a refusal in front of me from the Department for such a ship. I put it to the Minister that if we are to double the quotas in the BIM proposal, we will need to have factory type ships that will be able to go out into deeper international waters and catch non-quota type species as is indicated in the development document. Will it be the policy of his Department to give licences for factory type ships, crewed by Irish people and under Irish ownership?
Most of the questions ask for details but this one does not. I cannot argue with the Deputy but I would be very anxious to receive a copy of the document he mentioned.
The Deputy referred to non-quota species such as horse mackerel for which there is a market in Japan, blue whiting and argentines. We have got to put the horse before the cart rather than, as suggested by the Deputy, the cart before the horse. There is exploratory fishing. We are pursuing this matter very vigorously. Last year we ensured that moneys were made available for research both from the State and from Europe. That gives us an opportunity to carry out research and development in relation to the markets and to establish if this type of fish is suitable for fish stick blocks. If that is so, we will have to look at it.
As yet, there is no established market, and I would advise any individual who is looking at a factory ship exclusively for non-quota species, to tread very carefully. Some ten years ago the same situation prevailed with horse mackerel. It took some time for the market to develop, but as it developed the fishery industry also developed. The Department, BIM and the industry themselves are now actively engaged in this research.
Would the Minister's reply be prepared to consider such applications from proposed owners of such factory type ships, Irish citizens and crewed by Irish people, who would be prepared to land their catches in foreign ports until such time as he had his research carried out?
Naturally, we are very anxious for development and are prepared to look at any applications, particularly one such as this, but I doubt if it would be possible to catch sufficient non-quota species if they were not for human consumption.