Austin Deasy
Ceist:17 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he will clarify the position regarding the registration of trawlers which is causing much anxiety among fishermen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trawler Registration.
(Limerick West): The position in regard to the registration of fishing vessels is that, under the Merchant Shipping (Registry, Lettering and Numbering of Fishing Boats) Regulations, 1989, owners of registered fishing boats were required to apply for re-registration of their boats not later than 31 January 1990. This new registration system will come into operation with effect from 30 June. Responsibility for administration of the new register is vested in the registrar general of fishing boats.
I am informed by the registrar general that the arrangements for the bringing into operation of the new system are well advanced and that the aim is to issue shortly appropriate certificates to all eligible applicants who at this stage have met the required conditions. It is expected that the vast bulk of applicants will fall into this category. In the remaining cases, registration will depend on applicants providing the registrar general with such information, evidence, etc., as may be necessary to satisfy him that the applicant's boat is entitled to be registered.
Is the Minister aware that the general registration position is chaotic? Some people have been waiting for registration for about a year and are getting no information whatsoever from the Department? People who have deposits on boats do not know whether they will lose their deposits because they do not know whether they can legally register the boats. The position is totally unsatisfactory. Would the Minister be prepared to set up a special unit in the Department to assist people with genuine problems — there are hundreds of such people around the country?
(Limerick West): There is no reason for fishermen to be unduly concerned about the registration process. Once they have provided all the information sought by the registrar and are in a position to verify, if necessary, the seaworthiness of their vessels, they need have no cause for concern about the outcome of applications. I would reiterate that the vast bulk of applications are in order and decisions with regard to those applications will be made in a week or two.
Can the Minister tell the House where the office of the registrar general of fishing boats will be located? Is consideration being given by the Department to the registration of all sea-going boats, be they pleasure boats, dinghies or whatever? Is any action being taken to examine the seaworthiness of pleasure craft, particularly as we are in the middle of the summer season when it is not unknown for accidents to occur, in many instances because unsuitable sea-going craft is being used?
(Limerick West): In answer to the first part of the Deputy's question, that position is held by an official of my Department. In reply to the second part of the questions, that matter is not related to the question put down by Deputy Deasy. If the Deputy puts down a question on the matter, I will gladly answer it for her. The question which was put down relates to the registration of trawlers.
The reason I asked the second part of the question is that it was indicated to me by the Department some time ago that legislation would be brought before this House in relation to the general registration of all sea-going craft.
(Limerick West): The Deputy is talking about small ferries.
No, not ferries; I am talking about vessels which accommodate fewer than 12 passengers.
(Limerick West): Yes, that is the vessel I am talking about.
Can the Minister give some indication what is happening in this regard?
(Limerick West): The legislation is almost complete.
Deputy Donal Carey has been offering.
Will the legislation be before the House before the summer recess?
(Limerick West): I am always optimistic.
The Minister referred to sea-going craft. I would like to know what size boat he is talking about and what scale of fee has been arranged.
These are all very specific questions.
They are related to the question.
Perhaps the Deputy should submit the appropriate question.
(Limerick West): If the Deputy puts down a specific question I will very gladly give him a specific answer.
This is a very specialist area.
(Limerick West): The question does not relate to that point.
As regards the registration of fishing vessels, is the Minister aware that there are only eight centres in the county where fishing vessels can be registered and that some of the bigger ports such as Killybegs and Castletownbere do not have the facility to register fishing boats? Have the Department any plans to increase the number of centres where these boats can be registered? In other words, can they be registered in the port of residence and origin?
(Limerick West): I am informed that the facilities for registration are adequate, but I will certainly bring the Deputy's points to the attention of my officials.
The Minister can take it from us that the position is chaotic and the fishermen do not know what is going on. The Minister should educate himself on the matter.
More income to be generated.