John Perry
Ceist:28 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has published comprehensive guidelines on the licensing of sea fishing vessels to ensure transparency. [12367/99]
Vol. 504 No. 6
28 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has published comprehensive guidelines on the licensing of sea fishing vessels to ensure transparency. [12367/99]
Licensing of sea fishing vessels is governed by section 222B (as amended) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959. The key objective of licensing policy is to ensure the conservation and rational exploitation of available fish stocks, consistent with Ireland's legal obligations under the Common Fisheries Policy in relation to fleet capacity, fishing effort and conservation parameters. It is the basic requirement of fishing boat licensing policy, reflecting mandatory EU fleet policy, that a licence may only be granted for the introduction of a new vessel where the applicant undertakes to remove capacity at least equal to the tonnage and engine power of the boat to be introduced.