Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 3

Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Licences.

Michael Ring

Question:

61 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the rule for the limited scheme for the licensing of fishing vessels in the Irish inshore fleet were changed totally; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that people who have their boats have discovered that the new scheme for the licensing of traditional pot fishing boats in the Irish inshore fleet will be of no use to them. [16298/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

Last December, the EU Commission agreed to increase Ireland's fleet capacity limits to provide for the licensing and registration of previously unregulated inshore fishing boats. Approval of a scheme was strictly on the basis that it would not lead to an increase in fishing effort in the existing polyvalent segment of the Irish fleet now or in the future. The scheme was approved by the Commission on the basis that the vessels involved targeted lobster, crab, crayfish and shrimp and would not target quota species.

Over the past few months detailed consultations were undertaken with fishing organisations and interested parties. As a first step a discussion document was prepared setting out a possible approach. This document was circulated to all recognised organisations operating within the inshore sector and comments, observations and suggestions were invited. The sea fishing boat licensing review group, on which there is representation from the inshore sector, also discussed the document. In addition, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, organised regional information meetings to discuss the proposals. While some representatives considered that the scheme should cover all inshore vessels, there were strong representations that the scheme must be strictly limited to vessels using pots. As the terms agreed with the Commission required that the scheme did not include vessels targeting quota species and as gillnets are primarily used for the targeting of quota stocks, such as cod and pollock, it would have been difficult to include this type of gear within the scope of the scheme. It was decided, taking all positions into consideration, to confine the scheme to vessels using pots.

An analysis by BIM of the current unlicensed and unregistered inshore vessels indicates that the vast majority of them target stocks such as lobster, crab, shrimp using pots. I am satisfied, therefore, that the current scheme is satisfactory, taking account of the terms of the EU approval and the overall views of the inshore sector.

Michael Ring

Question:

62 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding a scheme which was announced in March 2002, namely the limited scheme for the licensing of fishing vessels in the Irish inshore fleet which allowed for the licensing of fishing vessels which were not registered or licensed; the number of applications which were received for it; the number approved; the number of applicants who received funding; and the amount of funding which was approved. [16299/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

Under the scheme which was announced in March, 1322 applications were received. The scheme involved the provision of replacement capacity on the phased basis. On the basis of strong representations made at that time, it was decided not to proceed with the scheme in that form. The approval of the EU Commission was sought for the waiving of the replacement capacity requirement.

In December 2002, I secured the agreement of the Commission for an increase in Ireland's capacity limits, subject to strict conditions, which enables me to waive the requirement for replacement capacity. On this basis, I announced a new scheme in the last few weeks for the licensing of traditional pot fishing boats in the inshore fleet. The closing date for the scheme is 18 June 2003.

All applicants who applied under the March 2002 scheme have been issued with a copy of the terms of the revised scheme, including an application form. There was no funding attached to the former scheme and none is envisaged for the new scheme.

Question No. 63 answered with Question No. 1.