Fisheries Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023

Thursday, 1 June 2023

Questions (288)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

288. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions his Department has taken to explore a more flexible approach to the inspection of fishing vessels by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, as committed to in the most recent general election manifesto of a political party (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26878/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is an independent regulatory agency as set down in the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. All operational issues are exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). As Minister, I am expressly precluded from getting involved in operational matters. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.