A special scheme was introduced some years ago, with EU approval, to regularise the position of small fishing vessels which, although part of the fleet, had not been formally licensed or registered. The closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme was 17 February, 1995. My Department has no record of receiving any correspondence from the person in question prior to June, 1997. It is not possible, therefore, to consider his boat for licensing under the special scheme. Licensing of the vessel will, therefore, have to be addressed in accordance with the normal conditions and requirements of licensing policy, including the removal of capacity from the Sea Fishing Boat Register. A for a further scheme for unregistered small fishing vessels if demonstrably warranted would require EU approval. My Department is examining the objective necessity for pursuing the case for a further scheme with the European Commission, in the context of the overall circumstances of the inshore fisheries sector, as well as the implications for overall fleet management policy.