I propose to take Questions Nos. 998 and 999 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.
It should also be noted that the 2012 Control Plan, prior to its revocation, provided that the Irish authorities may have permited fisheries products to be weighed by relevant operators after transport from the place of landing provided that they were transported to a destination on the territory of Ireland, as the Member State concerned.
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 a sub group of the Sea Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee, Industry Representatives and operators on the matter. A further meeting with the full Sea Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee has also been scheduled.
The Deputy’s queries as to the implications of the Commission’s revocation of the control plan on operational matters for the operators who have responsibility to weigh fish before transport and the SFPA as the control authority.
