Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2015
142. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is possible to bring court cases for non-compliance with environmental and other conditions against fish farmers who had licences which have expired, and who are awaiting a decision on applications to renew their licences; the number of such prosecutions brought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29455/15]
View answerUnder the provisions of Section 19A(4) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 a licensee who has applied for the renewal or further renewal of an aquaculture licence shall, notwithstanding the expiration of the period for which the licence was granted or renewed but subject otherwise to the terms and conditions of the licence, be entitled to continue the aquaculture or operations in relation to aquaculture authorised by the licence pending the decision on the said application. Section 65 of the applicable legislation provides for prosecution of a person for failure to comply with the terms of a licence. Prosecutions have not, to date, been taken under Section 65 of the Act by my Department.
