Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2005
327 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes to introduce changes to the licensing regime covering mussel dredging vessels; if so, if such changes will distinguish between sea-going vessels and inshore vessels; the expected impact of such changes in terms of the number of vessels affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31536/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no proposals to make any changes to the licensing regime covering mussel dredging vessels in so far as it relates to the mussel seed resource.
328 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason stark distinctions were allowed to be made between the treatment of a vessel (details supplied) and other Irish vessels, which had to provide full replacement capacity; the reason this vessel is allowed to fish in EU waters; if, at the time this vessel was seeking a licence, there was an overhang in Ireland’s pelagic replacement capacity and kilowatts became an issue between Ireland and the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31700/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe licensing and registration of the vessel referred to was facilitated by a decision of the European Commission in January 2002 to grant additional capacity of 14,055 gross tonnes and 14,400 kilowatts in respect of the Irish pelagic fleet segment to take account of fishing opportunities in Mauritanian and other west African waters. The European Commission's decision followed negotiations with the Commission on a legitimate application by the company which owns the vessel, under EU legislation in place at that time, which provided for the introduction of additional capacity into the fleet where additional fishing opportunities were identified. The capacity allocated by the European Commission was additional capacity over and above the existing EU capacity limits for the Irish fleet.
As part of the overall agreement, the company which owns the vessel has permanently withdrawn its other vessel from the Irish-EU fishing fleet. The package agreed allowed the company to retain the annual quota and fishing entitlements in EU waters of the withdrawn vessel. It should be noted that the vessel is only allowed to fish in EU waters to the same degree, in terms of catch limits and fishing effort, as the withdrawn vessel was allowed. The withdrawal of this vessel also enabled Ireland to resolve long-standing engine power over-capacity in the pelagic segment.
