Vol. 490 No. 5
97 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the method used by his Department to accurately quantify the extent of eel exports from Ireland; the conditions that apply to licence holders to collect and export eels; the last point of examination of trucks carrying eels for export prior to leaving Ireland; and if he has satisfied himself that these arrangements are satisfactory. [10807/98]
98 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the monitoring which exists in relation to eels being exported from Ireland; and his estimate of the commercial value of eel exports on a weekly basis. [10813/98]
99 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the tariff which exists in relation to the export of eels from this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10814/98]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 97, 98 and 99 together.
Any person wishing to deal in the purchase or sale of eels requires a dealer's licence under Part X of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1954 as amended by Section 20 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1994 which is issued by the local regional fisheries board. This licence obliges the holder to keep a register, in a prescribed form, of all purchases, sales and exports of eels. Ensuring that the licence conditions in relation to eel dealing are adhered to is the responsibility of the local regional fisheries boards.
The management strategies for eel fishing generally are currently under review by the Marine Institute. The aim of this review is to produce an integrated development strategy for the fishery. The review will also cover licensing arrangements and legislation requirements governing the sector. There are no figures readily available at present on the commercial value of eel exports on a weekly basis. My Department does not have any jurisdiction in relation to tariffs regarding the export of eels. This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
The Deputy may also wish to note that I have recently made a by-law capping the number of licences which the boards may issue for long line commercial eel fishing in the interests of stock conservation.
