Vol. 449 No. 5
116 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for the Marine in view of the Government's policy of open Government, whether this policy will be applied with regard to the issuing of sea fishing licenses; if he intends establishing an independent body to oversee the issuing of licences; and whether he will also put in place an appeals system to ensure equality of distribution. [4056/95]
I am aware of concerns in the fishing industry about the present system of issuing sea fishing vessel licences. I regard it as particularly important that the licensing system should have the full confidence of the fishing industry. I am at present examining the matter in detail to see what could reasonably be done to make the system more open and transparent with a view to ensuring that the system will have the confidence of the fishing sector.
