asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by a person (details supplied) in County Galway in meeting repayments on a fishing vessel due to quota restrictions in herring fishing; and if there is any assistance his Department can give in this matter.
Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Repayments.
77.
I have received representations on behalf of the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
As the Deputy must appreciate, I have to ensure, as the Minister responsible for fishing matters, that there is fair and equitable distribution of the quotas, including those for herring, among the Irish fishing fleet and it is not possible, within this policy to give special accommodation for particular individuals. Management regimes incorporating, inter alia, boat quotas, have been introduced for a number of stocks, including herring, following consultation with the various sectors involved in the fishing industry. These are designed to secure the livelihood of the generality of fishermen, and to conserve stocks, and achieve reasonable equity.
The herring stocks are under pressure given the large number of boats participating in the fishery. As stated, management of the fishery is carried out by agreement with the fishing industry here and there can be no question of individual quota arrangements which are to the detriment of other fishermen.
In such circumstances it is not possible to increase the allocation to particular individuals without reducing the fishing possibilities for others as a consequence. I should point out however that the individual in question, like many others, is not solely dependent on herring and may fish for a number of other species.