Michael Ring
Question:26 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether there should be an appeal mechanism in place regarding the licensing of sea fishing boats. [7904/00]
Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Licences.
Licensing of sea fishing boats is governed by section 222B, as amended, of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959. Decisions on licence applications are made by reference to pre-set policy considerations and criteria which have the key objective of ensuring the conservation and rational exploitation of available fish stocks, consistent with Ireland's legal obligations under the Common Fisheries Policy in relation to fleet capacity, fishing effort and conservation parameters.
In practical terms, licences are granted where applicants comply with a number of clearly defined requirements, including the provision of satisfactory evidence of vessel ownership; appropriate confirmation that the vessel is safe and seaworthy; and satisfactory evidence that the applicant has removed from the fishing vessel register tonnage and engine power equivalent to those of the vessel for which the licence is sought.
In a very small number of cases fishing vessel licence applications have to be refused due to failure to comply with the pre-set criteria. In 1999 out of a total of 262 applications 15 were refused. The services of the Ombudsman's office are available to any individual who considers that a fishing licence application has not been dealt with fairly or reasonably. The Department as part of its quality customer service action plan is also working to establish enhanced customer service standards and a customer complaints appeals system across the Department. The establishment of a formal fishing vessel licence appeals system is not therefore in the circumstances necessary.
In the interests of clarity and transparency I intend to publish comprehensive user friendly guidelines on the fishing vessel licensing process, procedures and criteria at an early date. I have asked my Department to finalise the guidelines as soon as possible.