Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Licences.

David Stanton

Ceist:

40 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the likely impact on small fishermen resulting from the most recent regulations regarding licensing of small fishing boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9959/02]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

41 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, in regard to his announcement of 27 December 2001, when it is intended to extend the new licensing scheme to all remaining small inshore fishing boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9904/02]

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

44 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the grave concern among in-shore fishermen regarding the conditions of the scheme for licensing of fishing vessels in the in-shore fleet; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these regulations will make it impossible for traditional in-shore fishermen to continue in fishing, and that the cost of purchasing tonnage at the rate of ?5,000 a ton will prohibit young fishermen from entering the fishing fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8491/02]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

45 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has received a response from the EU Commission to his request for amendments to the limited scheme for the licensing of in-shore fishing vessels in order to reduce the financial burden involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9893/02]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

51 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether, in relation to the limited scheme for licensing of in-shore fishery vessels, that there is a strong case for the elimination of the requirement in relation to horsepower/kilowatts for boats under 12 metres; and his further views on whether these small boat fishermen who live on the islands are in a special category and should be treated as such. [9917/02]

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

73 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the grave concern among in-shore fishermen regarding the conditions of the scheme for licensing of fishing vessels in the in-shore fleet; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these regulations will make it impossible for traditional in-shore fishermen to continue in fishing, and that the cost of purchasing tonnage at the rate of ?5,000 a ton will prohibit young fishermen from entering the fishing fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10014/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 41, 44, 45, 51 and 73 together.

As I advised the House in my earlier reply, I am giving priority to new conservation and management initiatives for the in-shore fisheries resource. The new in-shore licensing scheme was designed to ensure the participation by all in-shore fishermen in the new management framework by regularising the status of those still operating outside the legal system. In response to expressed concerns about the cost of purchasing replacement capacity I have decided to revisit the scheme and to seek the agreement of the Commission to an amended scheme which would involve concessions on replacement capacity, possibly within the framework of a stand alone in-shore fisheries segment.

My Department is also reviewing models in other member states which will inform our discussions with the Commission which I expect to take place shortly. I expect shortly to quantify the total amount of tonnage and kilowatts involved, following the closing date for applications under the original scheme which is tomorrow 28 March. In my discussions with the Commission I will also explore the scope for specific arrangements for very small traditional in-shore vessels, around the coast and on the islands.

I draw Deputies' attention to the scheme which I have already introduced to encourage young fishermen to enter the industry. This scheme, administered by BIM, provides special financial support for fishermen under 35 years to acquire their first vessel. In addition to applying for grant aid, these young fishermen can avail of a special premium payment of 10% of the cost of a modern second hand vessel.