asked the Minister for the Marine the present position regarding the crewing provisions applicable to fishing vessels in view of the recent legal dispute in related matters between the Spanish Government and Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Crewing Requirements.
98.
I presume the Deputy is referring to both the 75 per cent EC crewing requirement which is a condition of fishing licences issued to Irish registered fishing vessels and the 75 per cent crewing requirement for United Kingdom registered fishing vessels operating in Irish waters as provided for in the Sea Fishing Boats Regulations, 1986.
The position is that the 75 per cent EC crewing requirement for Irish vessels has been challenged by two Irish registered companies. Once case is currently before the European Court of Justice and is scheduled for hearing on 2 July 1987. In the meantime the company involved was granted an interlocutary injunction by the High Court preventing me or my agents from enforcing the crewing provisions against the company's vessels. The case of the second company has yet to be heard by the High Court.
In addition three United Kingdom registered companies have challenged the 75 per cent EC crewing regulations applicable to UK registered vessels operating in the Irish waters. That case is scheduled to be heard in the High Court today.
I understand that another UK registered company, has challenged in the courts of the United Kingdom the 75 per cent crewing requirement provided for by UK legislation for UK registered vessels operating in UK waters.