Vol. 406 No. 8
15 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if, in view of the large number of applicants refused registration on the current vessel register, he will agree to have the register extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Limerick West): Decisions in relation to the granting of applications for registration on the current Sea Fishing Boat Register are matters for the registrar general of fishing boats.
I understand from the registrar general that the vast bulk of applications for registration on the Sea Fishing Boat Register have been successful. From approximately 1,850 applications, some 1,450 boats have been registered to date. In addition about another 120 applications are still the subject of correspondence between the registrar general and the applicants.
I think it important to stress that unsuccessful applications were refused either on the grounds that satisfactory evidence of the sea-worthiness of the boats concerned could not be provided or that the applicants did not hold current sea fishing boat licences in respect of the boats in question. Where such applicants are now in a position to meet these requirements, the registrar general will. I am informed, be prepared to consider their case.
Is the Minister aware of the restrictions this new fishing boat register has brought about and how it has prevented hundreds of Irish fishermen from seeking a livelihood at sea? To pass it over to the registrar, as the Minister has stated, does not seem fair. Surely it is a matter for the Minister for the Marine to see that adequate provision is made to have all boats fishing off our coast registered. Does he not agree?
(Limerick West): Of course it is a matter ultimately for the Minister for the Marine, but all fishing boats must have a sea fishing boat licence before registration can take place. I must be satisfied, with regard to the applicants who were not successful to date, of the sea-worthiness of the boats concerned and that the applicants hold a current sea fishing boat licence in respect of the boats in question. If they comply with that there is no problem about registration.
Of course there is a massive problem. Half a dozen fishermen in my constituency, some of whom have been fishing all their lives, cannot get this sea fishing licence because of restrictions within the Minister's Department. There is a tremendous problem.
(Limerick West): I do not want to interrupt the Deputy but he is now talking about sea fishing licences which is totally different from registrations.
The Minister said one must have a licence to get on the register.
(Limerick West): The question is about registration of current fishing vessels. If the Deputy puts down a question about licensing I will answer it.
I understand the situation. One has got to have a sea fishing licence before one can get on the register, but the register has been closed and as a result hundreds of fishermen have been stopped from going to sea to fish. What is the Minister going to do about it? Is he going to go back to the EC and get an increase in the tonnage for Irish fishing boats or is he just going to leave it as it is? It is a disgrace.
(Limerick West): The issuing of sea fishing licences is a separate question.
It is not.
(Limerick West): If the Deputy will put down a question specifically to me I will be very glad to answer it as a question put down by Deputy Barnes was answered on 20 February 1991. If the Deputy wants information with regard to sea fishing licences, which I am not allowed to give him now, I suggest he ask his party colleague, Deputy Barnes, for it.
This is evasion and I can only conclude the Minister does not know what he is talking about.
Is the Minister not aware there is grave dissatisfaction with the present system? Has he any plans to change the system?
(Limerick West): Is the Deputy talking about the registration of boats?
Yes.
(Limerick West): I am not at all satisfied that there is grave dissatisfaction with regard to the registration.
There is.
My God.
(Limerick West): I have pointed out to the House that if applicants for registration can give me satisfactory evidence that their boats are sea-worthy and that they hold a current sea fishing boat licence, there is no problem at all with regard to registration.
What provision is there for a trawler owner who lost his fishing trawler in a marine accident——
None.
——to replace the tonnage by an alternative fishing trawler?
(Limerick West): If the Deputy will put down a question on a specific issue I will gladly answer it. The question today relates to registration of boats, not the licensing of boats.
Once a boat is registered a person is entitled to a licence.
(Limerick West): It has to be licensed first.
Today this issue has come up in two different forms. We are talking about the fact that there are fishermen who cannot get out to fish——
They are left high and dry.
——because of restrictions. Is the Minister not aware that the fishing industry has now become effectively a closed shop through a whole series of restrictions, limitations on the fleet and so on? Is he going to do something about it so that people can go out and fish the seas and try to create employment?
Let us hear the Minister.
(Limerick West): I am sure, Sir, you will not allow me give information with regard to the issuing of——
If it is not relevant.
(Limerick West): The question was about registration and I have given an answer to that.
This is totally irregular. It is the same problem. Let the Minister not mince words. The Minister in his reply admitted that 400 applicants are not being allowed fish; 120 of them are under review but, effectively, he has cost 400 people their jobs and livelihoods. Is he going to do anything about it? Is he going to extend that register? Is he going to go to the EC and seek an increase in the registered tonnage?
(Limerick West): I am quite satisfied that that register can be increased provided the boats concerned are sea-worthy and have up to date fishing licences.
The Minister will not grant them. It is a disgrace.
