Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 6

Written Answers. - Vessel Monitoring System.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

84 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has the facilities and personnel to instruct fishermen in the use of the vessel monitoring system in view of the requirement that all fishing vessels above 20 meters must have this system since 1 January 2000; the reason a grant of only 50% is proposed for the system costing £4,000 to install and a further £4,000 per year for maintenance and call charges in contrast with other European coun tries which provide 100% state funding for this purpose; if he will provide 100% funding in view of the fact that the system will obviate the need for large numbers of patrol vessels at sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6956/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

In accordance with EU requirements applying to all member states' fleets, Irish fishing vessels over 24 metres in overall length or over 20 metres between perpendiculars must, from 1 January 2000, carry satellite-based position monitoring terminals which are capable of automatically transmitting position reports to the Naval Service Fisheries Monitoring Centre at Haulbowline. Satellite monitoring is an important addition to the existing range of fisheries surveillance measures. It will facilitate enforcement and control of fishing activity by fleets of other member states in Irish waters.

Comprehensive guidelines on the steps to be taken to comply with the VMS requirements were issued by my Department to all the vessel owners concerned and to the fishing industry organisations. Practical advice on the requirements is available on request from the Department and Naval Service personnel.

Vessel owners are legally responsible for the purchase, installation, maintenance and operation of a satellite terminal. While some member states are providing 100% funding, other member states are providing no grant aid towards the cost of VMS installation. Grant aid for Irish vessel owners towards the purchase of satellite terminals is being provided at a rate of 50% of the cost, subject to a maximum of £2,000 per terminal. The latest date for receipt of applications for grant aid was 18 February 2000. I have no proposals to increase the rate of grant aid.