Jimmy Deenihan
Question:28 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when licenses will be allocated for tuna driftnet fishing in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3560/00]
Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Licences.
The licensing arrangements for this year's tuna driftnet fishery are currently being reviewed by my Department taking account of the legal limits on participation in the driftnet fishery imposed by the EU in the context of the 1998 Council decision to phase out driftnetting for tuna by end 2001. As in 1999 the industry will be consulted on the criteria to be applied to the allocation of authorisations for the fishery in 2000. Decisions will be made on the allocation of authorisations well before the start of the fishery in early summer.