Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 4

Written Answers. - Excess Tonnage.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

44 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for the Marine in view of the fact that he has confirmed to Dáil Éireann that the 1,172 excess tonnage required for the Veronica will come from the whitefish fleet, if he will quantify the excess tonnage required for the Sheanne, the Paula, the Aine and the three new pelagic vessels currently on order; and if he will confirm that this will come from the whitefish fleet also; if these pelagic vessels retain their right to fish; and the reason for such approvals. [6644/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Coveney)

The excess tonnage which will be required in respect of the introduction of the new pelagic tank boats MFV Sheanne and the MFV Paula, is now estimated to be just under 700 tonnes. It is likely that almost all this tonnage will come from the whitefish fleet. No proposal to replace the Áine has been approved.

These arrangements about which I have considerable reservations were approved under policies in place prior to my appointment as Minister.

However, as I stated in the answer to a parliamentary question on 22 February last, I have now adopted new policy arrangements which require, in respect of all future proposals for the introduction of tank boat vessels, 100 per cent replacement capacity must be withdrawn from the existing tank boat pelagic fleet.