Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 1

Written Answers. - Illegal Fishing Penalties.

Bertie Ahern

Ceist:

236 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for the Marine whether in conformity with EU law, vessels and crews convicted of illegal fishing in Irish waters could be debarred from further fishing in Irish waters for a certain period, aside from other penalties. [14591/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

Penalties for serious and persistent breaches of fishing law must be tough, effective and consistent right across Europe. I am seeking greater commitment to a system of maximum deterrents in all member states. Ireland has a very tough penalty regime by European standards. Since 1994 a regime of hefty fines and confiscations of nets catch and boats has been available to Irish courts. Experience of the current legislation is kept under constant review and I am always prepared to consider the scope for going further.

With specific reference to the issue raised by the Deputy, I would point out that the matter of management and control of, and access to, an individual member state's quota is a matter for the flag state and not the coastal state where fishing activity is carried out.

Under existing EU regulations the flag member state has the discretionary power to subject any of its fishing vessels which seriously or repeatedly fail to comply with the law to additional unspecified control measures. It is not apparent that the penalty mentioned by the Deputy would be consistent with EU law but I intend to use the opportunity of our Presidency to pursue our longstanding agenda to stiffen the resolve of other member states to crack down hard on non compliance where we demonstrate that their vessels are committing serious fisheries offences.