Vol. 449 No. 5
113 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for the Marine whether the tonnage of the new MFV Veronica is greater than that of its predecessor; if so, if this tonnage has been acquired from purchases within the pelagic fleet or from the whitefish sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4053/95]
The capacity of the Veronica is 5,206 tonnes; this is 1,172 tonnes greater than its predecessor. Almost all of the excess tonnage will come from the whitefish sector as it was not possible to acquire the additional capacity necessary to meet current replacement policy from either the tank boat or pelagic fleets.
I have recently decided that, in respect of all new proposals for the introduction of RSW pelagic vessels, 100 per cent replacement capacity must be withdrawn from the existing RSW pelagic fleet.
