Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 3

Written Answers. - Licence Fees.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

287 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the reason licences in the Foyle Fisheries area are twice the price of other similar fisheries; whether he intends to address this situation in view of the sense of discrimination being felt by local fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2873/97]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

The level of licence fees in the Foyle fisheries area is primarily a matter for the Foyle Fisheries Commission, subject to the general requirement that regulations made by the commission are approved by the Minister for the Marine and the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland.

Commercial salmon licence fees for the Foyle area have historically been higher than those in the fisheries boards regions. In this regard, direct comparison between the Foyle Fisheries Commission and its counterpart bodies cannot be made readily and would have to take account of the different characteristics of the regions, the differences between roles, functions and operations, as well as the differing financing-funding arrangements which apply.

Since the early 1980s commercial licence fees in the Foyle area have remained static in real terms — increases have been in line with inflation. The commission advises that the fees charged for commercial licences have not, however, had unfavourable impact on demand for licences which continues to exceed supply.

The commission's revenues — 37 per cent of total income — have been traditionally insufficient to meet its costs and the income deficit — 63 per cent of total income — is funded jointly by the Irish and United Kingdom authorities. Licence fees account for almost 90 per cent of total revenues and given, not least, the stated objective to progressively reduce the deficit, a reduction in licence fees is not a feasible proposition.

I understand that the commission has informed the advisory council — which represents local commercial fishermen and anglers — that licence fees will not be increased for 1997.