Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2021
253. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to serious issues in relation to the removal of the derogation under article 61.1 are causing small white fish and shell fish fishers in County Kerry; if he is prioritising the issue; if a solution will be arrived at before the summer 2021 landing season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23391/21]
View answer254. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding safety measures at the various piers in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23392/21]
View answer255. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has given consideration to the additional work burden placed on fishers as a result of the removal of the derogation under article 61.1; if further consideration has been given to the added cost placed on fishers due to the new requirements (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23394/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 253, 254 and 255 together.
Ireland has received a Commission Implementing Decision revoking the approval of the Irish control plan submitted for the weighing of fishery products in accordance with Article 61(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
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 are exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. As Minister, I am expressly precluded from getting involved in operational matters such as this.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) will set out new procedures in relation to this changed position. The Authority has, I understand, already written to industry representatives to make them aware of the situation and also met with the Sea Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee, Industry Representatives and operators on the matter.
The Deputy’s queries as to the implications, if any, of the Commission’s revocation of the control plan on operational matters such as safety, costs etc are matters for the SFPA. I have accordingly referred the queries on these matters to SFPA for attention and direct reply.
