Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 2

Written Answers. - Sea Fishing Boat Licences.

Ivan Yates

Question:

111 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be considered for the allocation of tonnage for a boat on an application made to his Department two years ago for which there is independent witness verification and of which there is no trace in his Department; if his subsequent late application in this regard will be considered and approved; and if his application for an aquaculture licence for lobster fishing will be approved. [11623/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods):

The person in question has indicated to my Department that he made an application for a sea fishing boat licence under the special licensing scheme for small fishing vessels before the closing date of 17 February 1995. Another person has indicated that he assisted completing the application form.

There is however no record in my Department of any application under the special scheme from the person in question.

The person in question did apply for a sea fishing boat licence late in 1998 and indicated subsequently that he wished the application to be processed on the basis that his boat would be used only for aquaculture purposes or for fishing for bivalve molluscs. Such a licence however does not encompass fishing for lobster. My Department will contact the person concerned with a view to clarifying the status of his present application.