I can advise the Deputy that the tonnage figure quoted for the Irish pelagic fleet in the Lassen report was the correct figure at the time the report was compiled earlier this year. The data used for the Irish fleet information in the Lassen report was derived from the Department's own vessel registry data base as of 31 January 1996. The figure quoted therefore is a specific snapshot in time. This reflects the fact that tonnage statistics are not constant but rather evolve upwards and downwards over a given period as vessels move on and off the Register. There is nothing unusual about this as all national fleet registers throughout the EU will show similar fluctuations. I am forwarding the breakdown of figures requested directly to the Deputy.
The Irish pelagic fleet has undergone fundamental renewal and replacement over recent years and is now the most modern and efficient in the fleet and indeed one of the most modern fleets in Europe. The modernisation process has involved significant investment by the sector in new vessels equipped with the latest electronics and refrigerated saltwater tanks. The pelagic fleet fishes for mackerel and herring as well as non quota species such as horse mackerel in EU waters and is actively pursuing new opportunities in international waters. The modernisation programme has been a very positive development and has been achieved within the context of delivering on our mandatory EU tonnage target for the segment by the end of this year. I can advise the Deputy that since January, two additional new pelagic boats, replacing older vessels, have been added to the Register and another will be registered shortly which will bring total pelagic tonnage in line with the objective of 19,500 tonnes by end 1996.