Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2024
210. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has confidence in the fisheries sales notes system to deliver robust and accurate fisheries data in order that Ireland can comply with its obligations under the Common Fisheries Policy and other EU regulations. [19689/24]
View answerThe Fisheries Control Regulation provides for a Union fisheries control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy and establishing a level-playing field across the EU on fisheries control. The current Control Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/2842) entered into force in January 2024 and replaces the previous Control Regulation (Regulation (EC) 1224/2009).
The sales note system is provided for in the Control Regulation as an alternative to sampling plans for vessels under 10 metres, for which logbooks aren't required. The sales note system therefore provides for the collection of landings data in relation to such vessels.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is the single legal competent authority responsible for the collection and reporting of fish landings into Ireland, including the operation of the sales note system. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.
