Vol. 557 No. 4
75 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to receive the report of the review of sea fishing vessel licence policy; if an interim report is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22344/02]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 114 on 9 October last, I expect to receive the main report of the Sea-Fishing Boat Licensing Policy Review Group early next year. A key factor concerning its deliberations and the timing of its report will be the outcome of the re-negotiation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy now under way.
The review group can decide to report earlier on separate issues on which it may consider that urgent decisions are required of me. One such issue is in relation to the current requirement for certain polyvalent fishing vessels to have fished for herring and-or mackerel for 16 weeks in the previous four years in order to be considered to have "active pelagic" capacity. I have agreed to an urgent interim recommendation from the review group that a moratorium on active pelagic track record be put in place in respect of 2002. This measure stems from the need to take account of particular circumstances which have arisen in 2002 in relation to the Celtic Sea herring fishery, mainly regarding stock conservation, but it has general application to all pelagic fisheries for polyvalent boats. The moratorium means that polyvalent boats which did not fish for herring and-or mackerel in 2002 will not be considered as having had a break in their active pelagic track record.
For replacement capacity purposes, polyvalent boat owners may have 2002 excluded from the determination of active pelagic history, that is 16 weeks in each of the last four years, for their boats. For example, boats must have had an active pelagic history in the four preceding years, 1998 to 2001, in order to be considered to be active pelagic capacity for replacement capacity purposes in 2003.
The review group proposes to comprehensively examine the active pelagic policy requirement, along with all other pelagic related issues, and revert to me with their considered recommendations in due course.
When does the Minister expect to bring legislation before the House in relation to the independent appeals process? Was the Minister happy with all the decisions made by his predecessor, Deputy Fahey?
The legislation on the licensing appeals process has been approved by Government and is awaiting time in the Seanad. I would like to think it will be brought forward very quickly. In relation to any other issues, I concur with the decisions made by my predecessor. Obviously we are in changed circumstances now in regard to the availability of money and that will have an effect in relation to previous issues.
