Vol. 472 No. 7
140 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for the Marine the current status of the 20 special category licences which were issued approximately five years ago to fish off the west coast; if it is legal to sell one of these licences in a case where the vessel involved sinks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24076/96]
142 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for the Marine in respect of the 20 special category licences which were issued approximately five years ago to fish off the west coast, if he has satisfied himself that all of these vessels are fishing only in waters specified by the licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24083/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
The licences granted to the vessels in question contain a condition which explicitly prohibits them from fishing in certain ICES areas. I am satisfied that the vessels in question have observed this condition and do not engage in fishing except in those areas in which they are permitted to do so.
If any of the vessels were to fail to comply with the condition, it would constitute an offence under section 222B of the Fisheries Acts and could result in prosecution or the revocation of its licence.
As regards the second question put by the Deputy, I should point out that sea fishing licences cannot be sold. An owner wishing to sell his vessel must surrender his licence and the new owner must apply afresh for a fishing licence.
In the case of the vessels licensed under the special scheme, a condition of the licence prohibits the sale of the vesels before 1 January 1998. However, where a vessel licensed under the scheme has been lost, the Department has permitted the purchase of a replacement vessel by the owner in partnership with other fishermen.
