Vol. 577 No. 4
96 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the implications for the fishing industry of the new licensing policy for sea fishing boats announced on 19 November 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31249/03]
The new licensing policy contains a range of policy provisions and requirements in respect of the licensing of sea fishing boats, including replacement capacity. Some features of the policy have general application, while others relate to particular sectors of the industry. The common objective underpinning the development of the overall policy was to create a new, open and transparent policy to facilitate the achievement of a sustainable and viable livelihood for fishermen operating in various types of fisheries, taking account of available fishing opportunities and fishing resources. In addition to delivering the required fleet capacity targets set down in EU fleet policy, this policy is designed to give stability and certainty to the industry. The policy takes account of the current situation and the policies and structures for fleet and fisheries management that have evolved since 1990 and seeks to achieve the objectives already outlined. In this way the new policy should have a positive overall impact on the industry.
The new licensing policy is a key element of the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure equity and transparency in fishing fleet management for the benefit of the fishing industry. Other important measures have also been taken to implement this element of the Government's programme. The Fisheries (Amendment) Act, enacted on 1 July last, transferred sea fishing boat licensing functions from the Minister to a legally independent licensing authority under the direction of the registrar general of fishing boats, an official of the Department. It also established an independent appeals system in respect of licensing decisions by the licensing authority.
