Desmond J. O'Malley
Ceist:42 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for the Marine the total tonnage from the white fish fleet which his Department has permitted to the pelagic fleet in the past three years. [2132/96]
Written Answers. - White Fish Tonnage.
A policy decision was taken in 1994 that an element of excess tonnage necessary to fully meet the replacement capacity required in the introduction of new larger pelagic tankboats into the fleet could, exceptionally, be withdrawn from the polyvalent sector which includes whitefish and dryhold pelagic vessels.
An estimated 1,000 tonnes has been withdrawn over the period, largely from the whitefish sector. The final outstanding balance, amounting to a further 1,000 tonnes, must be similarly withdrawn before the end of this year, which will complete this programme. This figure would represent a tiny proportion of the total white fish fleet.
All future new proposals for the introduction of pelagic tank boats will require 100 per cent of the replacement capacity to be withdrawn from the existing pelagic tank boat fleet.