Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Oct 2003

Vol. 573 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Licences.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

126 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a fishing licence application in regard to a trawler (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24645/03]

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

The Independent Licensing Authority, established under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, has had to suspend the processing of sea fishing boat licence applications. This unavoidable delay arose, initially, from the need for clarification with regard to a new EU fleet management policy and, more recently, from the consequent need to introduce a new national licensing policy. The Independent Licensing Authority is not yet in a position to decide on licence applications in the absence of a firm licensing policy.

I am currently concluding consultations with the fishing industry on a new licensing policy. My officials presented revised policy proposals to the sea fishing boat licensing review group yesterday. A further meeting of the review group is planned for next Thursday, 30 October, to hear the views of the group on these new proposals. The revised policy proposals have also been placed on the Department's website with a request for written observations by Thursday, 30 October. Following consideration of all the views expressed, and nothing unforeseen arising, I intend to finalise the new policy very quickly, and possibly within a matter of days, thereafter. This will enable the Independent Licensing Authority to rapidly proceed with consideration of applications for sea fishing boat licences. The Independent Licensing Authority should, therefore, be in a position to issue a formal letter of licence offer in the particular case raised by the Deputy very soon after the introduction of the new policy.

Questions Nos. 127 to 130, inclusive, answered with Question No. 124.