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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 5

Adjournment Debate. - Fishing Fleet Capacity.

129.
Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the EU reference levels for the polyvalent sector on 31 December 2002. [23792/03]

The EU capacity objectives for the Irish polyvalent fleet segment as at 31 December 2002 were 45,648 gross tonnes and 161,953 kilowatts, as set down under the fourth EU multi-annual guidance programme.

130.

Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if safety tonnage has been provided; and if so, the reason RSW vessels need to take out tonnage at 2.2/1 from the polyvalent sector. [23793/03]

The outstanding replacement capacity in respect of ‘safety tonnage' in the RSW pelagic segment of the fleet has not to date been provided by the vessel owners concerned.

The fleet policy proposals recently brought forward provide for replacement capacity at a rate of 1 GT of pelagic capacity for 2.2 GT + 12 KWS of polyvalent capacity in respect of outstanding replacement capacity owed in respect of these vessels. This policy proposal is intended to remove excess "off-register" capacity from the polyvalent fleet and ensure going forward that Ireland meets EU fleet capacity limits.

131.

Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the pelagic sector will grow when the new vessels are admitted to the fleet. [23794/03]

On vessels in the pelagic RSW segment of the fleet, the position is as set down in my reply to the Deputy's question on 9 October 2003.

On pelagic vessels in the polyvalent segment of the fleet, the policy in relation to the entry of additional new vessels with bulk storage capacity is under consideration at present. Any potential increases in pelagic capacity in this segment will be dictated by the terms of current policy or any new policy put in place.

132.

Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the actual current tonnage in the polyvalent sector. [23795/03]

The current registered capacity of the polyvalent segment of the Irish fishing fleet is 42,017 gross tonnes and 139,310 kilowatts. There is, in addition, a significant amount of "off-register" polyvalent capacity entitlements not currently included on the fishing boat register.

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