Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1324. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on three queries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38883/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (1324)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, in December 2018, the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced that vessels over 18 metres would be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18 metres targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone. A Policy Directive was issued by the Minister to the independent Licensing Authority to give effect to these measures.
This decision to exclude vessels over 18 metres from trawling inside the six nautical miles has been the subject of extended legal proceedings further to a Judicial Review to the High Court taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy.
Further to the final judgment of the Courts in the matter of the exclusion of 18 metre vessels from trawling inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines, I have approved the commissioning of updated scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara respectively on trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles.
It has been five years since the last scientific and economic advice was compiled and the public consultation on this issue took place. In line with best practice, I am seeking up-to date advice and will proceed anew with a public consultation based on this matter once policy options are identified.