Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fishing Fleet Modernisation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

110 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties of herring fishermen in upgrading their fishing boats, particularly due to the requirement for and problems in obtaining extra active tonnage; and the proposals he has to alleviate the situation. [22042/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey):

The EU Multi-Annual Guidance Programme for Ireland covering the period to 2001 prescribes the maximum permissible capacity, in terms of tonnage and engine power, for the Irish fishing fleet. To ensure compliance with these limits, fishing vessel licensing policy requires a licence applicant to remove from the sea fishing boat register tonnage and engine power equal to that of the vessel to be licensed.

If a licence applicant wishes his or her vessel to be permitted to fish for herring and mackerel the capacity removed from the sea fishing boat register must have an active history of fishing for these pelagic species. For these purposes, an active history is defined as a minimum of four months fishing for those species in each of the last four years.

It has been represented to me that this criterion may be excessively onerous having regard to actual patterns of fishing activity, and that this is posing difficulties for fishermen who wish to acquire active pelagic capacity in fulfilment of licensing requirements. I have, therefore, asked my Department to review the scope for change to the existing requirements and the implications of any change, in consultation with fishermen's representative organisations.