Vol. 506 No. 2
120 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the action, if any, his Department plans to take following the placement of unauthorised longlines by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if his attention has been drawn to the extreme concern of mussel growers in the bay. [14916/99]
I am aware of the situation to which the Deputy refers. Officials of the Department have been in contact with the operator in relation to the placement of longlines in an unlicensed site near Escadower Bay.
The Department has made it clear to the operator that in placing the longlines in this area, he is in breach of his licence conditions and is consequently open to prosecution under section 65 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997. He has been further advised that unless he removes the unauthorised longlines as instructed, the Department will have no alternative but to initiate legal proceedings in the matter.
I am concerned at this development as it is the Department's policy to encourage strict adherence to licensing conditions so as to ensure that all licensed operators confine their activities to within their licensed sites.
