Vol. 489 No. 3
79 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if boats with outboard engines operating in inshore waters will be considered when issuing licences for small boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8096/98]
A vessel may not engage in commercial sea fishing unless it possesses a sea fishing boat licence under the Fisheries Acts, 1959 to 1997 and is entered on the register of fishing vessels established pursuant to Part IV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.
There are many smaller vessels, including vessels with outboard engines which operate inshore, which, while part of the fishing fleet for many years, have not, for various reasons, been licensed or registered to date. Following extensive negotiations I secured EU approval to regularise the position of those boat owners who had applied for licences under the special scheme introduced to redress the situation.
The processing of applications under the special scheme is being given high priority and successful applicants are being issued with licences as quickly as possible.
