Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
1086. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Irish-registered fishing vessels that have been inspected by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority since the introduction of the 2020 European Union (Common Fisheries Policy)(Points System) Regulations 2020 on 28 August 2020; the number of infringements determined and penalty points issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11765/21]
View answer1087. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of foreign-registered fishing vessels that have been inspected by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority since the introduction of the 2020 European Union (Common Fisheries Policy)(Points System) Regulations 2020 on 28 August 2020; the number of infringements determined and penalty points issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11766/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1086 and 1087 together.
The monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues of this nature concerning sea fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Naval Service. As Minister I am precluded from getting involved in operational matters including in relation to the operation of the points system for sea fishing boat licence holders as provided for under the European Union (Common Fisheries Policy) (Points System)Regulations 2020 (SI No 318 of 2020).
I have accordingly referred the Deputy's questions to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.
