Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Licences.

Michael Ring

Question:

174 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of applications received seeking licences for tonnage under the 3,000 tonnes scheme; the number of these applications processed to date; and the number approved on a county basis. [1807/00]

Michael Ring

Question:

175 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to grant licences to late applicants for tonnage under the 3,000 tonnes scheme. [1808/00]

Michael Ring

Question:

176 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved a licence for tonnage. [1809/00]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174, 175 and 176 together.

Under a special scheme introduced with the approval of the European Commission, the licensing and registration position of previously unregistered small fishing vessels is being regularised. Some 1,000 applications were received under the scheme, and licences have been granted in respect of 629 vessels to date.

A breakdown by county of the licences granted to date is as follows: Clare, 4; Cork, 140; Donegal, 37; Dublin, 20; Galway, 220; Kerry, 96; Louth, 15; Mayo, 55; Sligo, 4; Waterford, 5; Wexford, 28; Wicklow, 5. The remaining applications under the scheme are being processed to finality at present.

The closing date for receipt of applications under the special scheme was 17 February 1995. Applications received after that date are not being considered for licensing under the scheme.

The person referred to by the Deputy is seeking to have a boat licensed under the special scheme. The only recorded application from him in my Department consists of documents received in December 1996, that is, well after the closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme. My Department has had regular contact with the person concerned on the matter.