Vol. 429 No. 3
7 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine the definition of Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) as applied to fishing vessels; if he has satisfied himself that the method of ascertaining the GRT of each fishing vessel is standardised in each country within the EC; and if not the steps, if any, he intends to take to correct this anomaly.
158 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Marine if the European Community has any proposals to standardise the method of determining gross registered tonnage of fishing vessels throughout the member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 158 together.
Gross registered tonnage (GRT) is a measure of vessel size. There are numerous different methods of measuring this tonnage depending on the parts of the vessel which come within the relevant definition. The main methods used in the European Community are based on the London Convention and the Oslo Convention. Generally speaking the London Convention method gives for any particular vessel a higher tonnage than the Oslo Convention.
The reason I am reading this reply slowly is that the definitions of vessel sizes as between one country and another would put Alice in Wonderland to shame.
There are also a number of other methods, specific in some cases to individual countries and drawing on their own maritime traditions. There may also be specific methods of measurement of GRT in so far as smaller vessels are concerned. At the moment in this country three methods of measurement — the London Convention, the Oslo Convention and the so-called Part IV method, which draws from 1894 UK merchant shipping legislation — are used depending on the length etc of the vessel concerned.
The position in Ireland is not dissimilar from the position in most other member states where a range of measurement methods apply. There is clearly a need for standardisation in this regard so as to properly regulate and monitor the evolution of member states fleets and so as to ensure proper controls and transparency when vessels are being transferred from one member state's register to another.
The questions of standardisation is being actively pursued at the moment at Community level. Indeed, the European Commission, on the basis of a 1986 Council regulation, takes the view that all member states are required to remeasure their fishing fleets in toto according to the London Convention not later than July 1994. The Commission interpretation is, however, in dispute.
The possibility of having the matter concluded by 1994 is as remote as are the measurements which apply to ships in various countries. In any event the remeasurement of all vessels could be a major undertaking requiring a lot of time and expense. I undertake to keep the House fully informed of any developments in this regard. It is optimistic to think that in the circumstances the matter will be resolved by 1994.
The time for dealing with Priority Questions is fast running out. Brevity must now be the keynote of our proceedings. A very brief question, Deputy Sheehan.
May I ask the Minister what will he do to rectify this obsolete method of determining the size and weight of shipping vessels? The tonnage system, which originates from the Anglo-French wine trade in the 13th century, is completely outdated.
I want to dispose of the remaining question.
I ask the Minister to impress on the EC the necessity to make a firm commitment in this matter.
I am appealing for fairness and equity.
I may not be the Minister for the Marine who will announce to the House that this problem has been resolved because, as the Deputy said, it has taken a long time——
The Minister is not doing too badly.
That is very kind of the Deputy, but considering that this law originates from the 13th century, the prospects of my being here in 700 or 800 years is remote. I do not wish to be frivolous in response to the Deputy's question, but as there is a problem in this regard, which is now being addressed, the prospects of the matter being concluded by 1994 are remote. I will be glad to keep the Deputy informed of any development in this regard. It is a very serious problem. I do not understand why there is not standardisation in 1993 between one country and another in the Twelve, which presumes to be the fount of most of our wisdom in many respects.
