Vol. 542 No. 1
12 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused permission to withdraw his three timber fishing vessels from tonnage registration and replace them with one new modern steel fishing trawler. [23314/01]
The difficulty with the application in question does not arise from the individual's proposal to replace three timber vessels with one modern vessel. It stems from the fact the individual has proposed to introduce to the whitefish segment of the Irish fishing fleet a vessel fitted with refrigerated sea water tanks, RSW. Currently there is a moratorium on the introduction of RSW boats, which are used primarily to target pelagic species, in the whitefish segment of the fleet. The reasons for the moratorium have been fully explained to the individual by me, the Minister and my officials. It is to enable a comprehensive review of practical and policy implications of allowing tank boats into the whitefish fleet to be undertaken in consultation with the industry.
No regulations should be imposed against the trawler owner who was offering to deregulate three timber fishing trawlers and replace them with a modern steel trawler. I cannot see why he should be the victim of circumstances. Will the Minister reconsider the application from this man, who only wants to climb the ladder in terms of the industry, something he is entitled to do? He wants to own a modern trawler instead of three obsolete vessels, and surely the Minister will agree that this application should be reviewed favourably.
As I indicated, the difficulty stems from the fact the individual has proposed to introduce into the whitefish fleet a vessel fitted with refrigerated sea water tanks. There is a moratorium in this regard for the time being, but it may not last forever. The Minister and my officials have spoken to the individual and it appeared he accepted the moratorium would remain in place for a while, though perhaps not for too long. As of now, the moratorium is in place, but that does not prevent the person or the Deputy from making representations.
I agree that his intention to upgrade his capacity to catch fish should be examined, but as of now the moratorium is in place.
Is the Minister aware that what he calls the moratorium on RSW is seen in the south west as a means of preventing fishermen there from competing effectively with fishermen in the north west? Will he agree that it appears to be a bureaucratic obstruction to the development of the fisheries industry in the south west.
I do not agree.
That is how it appears.
At this stage there is a very good reason for the moratorium, and this has been explained to the individual. The door is open to Deputy Sheehan and the person concerned if they want to talk again to our officials.
The moratorium is seen as an obstacle to development.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
