Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013
211. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the presence of a trawler (details supplied) in Irish waters and that the span of its nets is as big as Croke Park and the potential impact it will have on fish stocks in Irish waters; if there are any steps to take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17905/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the vessel in question is a licensed vessel from an EU Member State. The responsibility for licensing of the vessel and the fishing opportunities to which it has access is a matter for that Member State.
Control of the vessel within Ireland's Exclusive Fisheries Zone is a matter for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, operational issues concerning sea fisheries control are a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service.
