Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
3386. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Belgian FMVs are allowed land fish in Ireland without weighing as part of the EU Commission approved control programme between Ireland and Belgium; if this agreement allows for fish to be landed at non-designated ports such as Dún Laoghaire; if so, the location this agreement is set out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40101/21]
View answerIreland 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.
I should advise the Deputy that the monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are law enforcement 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. I am expressly precluded from getting involved in operational matters such as those referred to by the Deputy.
In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have made enquiries of the SFPA and am advised that with the exception below, all vessels regardless of their nationality are required to weigh fish on landing prior to transport away from the place of landing.
By way of exception from this requirement, fish to be transported to registered establishments in either France or Belgium may be weighed in France or Belgium under provisions in place under Common Control Programs. These regulations apply to vessels from all Member States landing into Irish ports.
I have referred the Deputy's question requesting further operational details on this matter to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.
