Vol. 537 No. 1
69 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps which have been taken to secure the banning of flags-of-convenience fishing vessels from Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15410/01]
The primary policy objective is to eliminate the illegal activities of flagships through effective controls. The priority is to ensure compliance with the conservation rules by all EU fishing vessels.
The rules have been tightened by virtue of the new EU fisheries control regulations which came into force last year. The regime now in place allows for enhanced inspection and monitoring arrangements for flagships. The specific requirement whereby flagships must provide at least four hours notice of intention to land into ports other than those of their flag State represents a significant improvement in control measures.
I am continually pressing at EU level for the effective enforcement of the rules in an even-handed manner by all member states. I have also regularly impressed this on Commissioner Fischler. In this regard the Commissioner has assured me that he shares my determination to enhance controls right across the EU.
We will continue to push forward on all possibilities for ensuring effective controls on these vessels bearing in mind the EU treaty provisions on right of establishment and freedom of movement.
