Written Answers Nos. 429-452
430. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the persons in charge of human resources in the Irish Greyhound Board; the reason one person has complete charge over who gets to cover for control stewards (details supplied); his views on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21348/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from Bord na gCon that it has a Human Resources manager with responsibilities for recruitment among other functions. Bord na gCon have informed me that they employ a team of Control and Stipendiary Stewards to cover the seventeen greyhound stadia across the country. Bord na gCon also require some assistance from part-time staff on occasion to cover, for example, annual leave and participation in drug testing teams. These part-time occasional staff have specialist knowledge of the industry as well as the rules of racing, its procedures, its operations and are deployed as required. The recruitment process however for such part-time staff is an operational matter for Bord na gCon.
431. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal has had payments under the agri-environment options scheme 3 for 2014-2015 reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21386/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the 2012 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1 May 2013. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The application of the person named was selected for an on-farm inspection in 2014, during which non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted in relation to the Species Rich Grassland action, as it did not contain the required mix of grass species. The area found to be eligible for payment as Species Rich Grassland was reduced from 9.96 hectares to 2.46 hectares, which resulted in a 100% reduction in payment for that crop group for the year of the inspection. The person named was notified of the inspection finding on 20th February 2015.
The first instalment of the 2014 payment, less reduction, issued on 15th May 2015 and the balance, less reduction, issued on 22nd May 2015.
432. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for refusing to provide the inspection and check lists for marine fish farms, for the years 2012 to 2014, inclusive, for the installation in Bantry Bay, County Cork, where 230,000 salmon were lost in February 2014, in view of the fact that his Department released all the other 91 inspections reports 2012 to 2014, inclusive, requested. [21391/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra433. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the issue of his officials withholding the reason for their refusal to provide the inspection and checks lists for marine fish farms, in the years 2012 to 2014, inclusive, for the installation in Bantry Bay, County Cork, where 230,000 salmon were lost in February 2014, in view of the fact the requirement to specify a reason for a refusal is a legal requirement (details supplied); and if he will provide an assurance that in future his officials will specify the reason for refusal to the requestor as required by the legislation. [21392/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 433 together.
The material referred to by the Deputy has been the subject of a request to my Department for the release of information in accordance with the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations.
Following consideration of the request by my Department in the normal way, a decision was made to withhold certain information in accordance with Section 9(2)(d) of Statutory Instrument No. 133 of 2007. This basis for refusal was clearly stated in the material forwarded to the requester.
The requester has sought an internal review of my Department’s decision in accordance with applicable legislation. As this request is under active consideration by my Department at present it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.
434. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications that have been made to his Department in respect of the Scottish derogation measure regarding the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21408/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total number of applications received under the provision known as the Scottish Derogation by the closing date of 29 May was 3038.
435. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue on an appeal in respect of a 2013-2014 single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21411/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that several of the land parcels declared by the person named contained ineligible features. Following the review of my Department’s decision, sought by the person named, a visit by a Department official to verify the position on the ground was necessary. The person named will be advised, in writing, of the findings of the verification visit shortly.
436. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding fishing trawlers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21417/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to a by-law dated 1890. I am not aware if this by-law remains in place and if it relates to trawling in Kenmare Bay. In any case, it would appear, given the date of the by-law, that it would involve only a minimal level of fines for vessels contravening the by-law. In the event that it remains on the Statute book, it’s enforcement under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service.
437. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the role and scope of the welfare officer on the Irish Greyhound Board; if the holder of that role has any mandate as regards alleged breaches on the part of the Irish Coursing Club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21418/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. The functions of the welfare officer of Bord Na gCon are contained in Section 18 of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.
The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is under the general control of Bord na gCon, including in so far as compliance with the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 is concerned.
439. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of serious and continual overstocking of certain finfish farms. [21490/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra440. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of two large salmon farms operated by one company (details supplied), one of which has been repeatedly reported to him by his engineering division in the annual inspection and checklists for marine fish farms for overstocking, in spite of repeated requests to the operators to destock; if he will confirm that these operators refused to release to his authorised officer the stocking figures for 2014 for either of these two sites; and the actions he plans to take to ensure his authorised officers are appropriately supported and the licensing conditions are met. [21491/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 440 together.
The stocking levels of all marine finfish sites are closely monitored by my Department. Where an incident of overstocking occurs this is referred to the operator for corrective action. My Department has identified the issue of possible overstocking, although not widespread, as a key operational priority over the next twelve months for the Monitoring and Compliance Unit of my Department’s Aquaculture Licensing Division.
In respect of the specific sites referred to by the Deputy, the operator’s interpretation of the relevant licence provisions, differed from that of my Department. The operator was advised that it must accept my Department’s interpretation of the licence conditions. My Department continues to monitor the matter.
In relation to the non release of stocking information, it is understood that this arose as a result of a misunderstanding on the part of the operator and the information was released following contact from my Department.
441. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if commonage in respect of farmers (details supplied) in County Kerry will be declared compliant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21497/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a recent ground verification check of the commonage lands in question, the eligibility of the commonage has now been finalised, with 73.42 hectares being deemed eligible under the Direct Payment Schemes. The person named has been notified of the final outcome of the review.
442. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views that the proposed new transatlantic trade and investment partnership trade agreement could lead to a substantial fall in food safety standards for Irish consumers, which may threaten the health of members of the public if they were to ingest harmful substances through foodstuffs imported from the United States of America, which has far lower food safety standards than the European Union, and if his Department has expressed a view on this matter to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21514/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe that a successful conclusion of the trade negotiations between the EU and US for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will be good for the Irish agri-food sector and will increase our exports.
There is a misconception that one of the objectives of the TTIP negotiations is to achieve mutual recognition and harmonisation of food standards between America and Europe. This is not the case. Rather, the principle of equivalence will be the basis for trade. Essentially this means that, while food production processes need not be identical in the EU and US, these processes must provide equivalent guarantees regarding the standards of production in order for trade to take place. Under the equivalence principle, it is the importing Party that decides whether the conditions for equivalence have been met.
In addition the negotiating directives agreed by the EU for these negotiations preserve “the right of the Parties to take measures necessary to achieve legitimate public policy objectives on the basis of the level of protection of health, safety, labour, consumers, the environment and the promotion of cultural diversity..., that they deem appropriate”.
The principle of equivalence together with the right of reservation on policy grounds should provide good protection for Irish consumers and will allow the EU to retain its current approach to food standards. This is particularly relevant in relation to the use of hormones in meat production. The EU Commission has made it clear in the negotiations that it will not countenance the importation of hormone treated meat into the EU and this is well understood by the US side.
The reality is that Ireland has strong offensive interests in these trade negotiations, particularly in the agri-food sector. We are seeking greater market access for dairy products both in terms of tariff reductions and removal of regulatory barriers. Key exports would be branded packaged butter, powdered products and sports products. We are also interested in meats – both beef and pork – and in opening the US market to Irish lamb. The expectation in the past was of a limited opportunity or niche market for exports of beef to the US. However, because of the recent higher prices in the US, the US market will become more attractive for other lower value beef cuts. Consumer foods are also a potential area for growth, particularly porridge oats.
Of course, on beef, we have defensive interests as well although our defensive interests are tempered by recent developments in US prices and our gaining of access to the US market for Irish beef. Nevertheless it is important that any quota granted to the US does not undermine the absorption capacity of the EU. Furthermore any quota agreed with the US would need to be matched with a quid-pro-quo quota for EU beef in the US. Ireland would be well placed to benefit from such a quota, with our first mover advantage on the US market.
I am in regular contact with Minister Bruton and his Department on this matter.
443. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cé na bearta atá á ndéanamh ag a Roinn chun an pobal a chur ar an eolas faoi na seirbhísí i nGaeilge atá ar fáil ón Roinn agus ó na heagraíochtaí atá faoi choimirce na Roinne; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21515/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI ndiaidh tacaíocht traspháirtí a fháil i dTithe an Oireachtais, foilsíodh an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 i Nollaig 2010. Leagtar amach sa Straitéis naoi limistéar le haghaidh gnímh, lena n-áirítear seirbhísí poiblí. I measc chuspóirí na Straitéise, tá an líon daoine a mhéadú a úsáideann seirbhísí an Stáit trí mheán na Gaeilge. Luaitear i gClár an Rialtais, 2011-2016 go dtacóidh an Rialtas leis an Straitéis agus go dtabharfaidh siad faoi na spriocanna is féidir a bhaint amach a bheartaítear sa Straitéis.
Tá an Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta freagrach, go príomha, as ceisteanna lena mbaineann an Ghaeilge agus tá idirchaidreamh iomlán idir mo Roinn agus an Roinn sin chun cabhair a thabhairt chun an Straitéis a chur chun cinn agus go háirithe maidir le húsáid na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn trí Scéim Gaeilge.
In 2006, chuir mo Roinn a gcéad Scéim Gaeilge i gcrích agus tá deireadh á chur againn faoi láthair le Scéim nua, a bhfuiltear ag súil leis a fhorbróidh agus a mhéadóidh úsáid na Gaeilge i mo Roinn.
Tabharfar cuntas sa Scéim Gaeilge nua ar fhreagrachtaí mo Roinne chun úsáid na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn agus tabharfaidh sí faoin nGaeilge a chur chun cinn trí roinnt bealaí, lena n-áirítear:
- Aon chruinnithe a chuirtear ar bun i gceantair Ghaeltachta nó nuair a bhítear ag déileáil le saincheisteanna Gaeilge/Gaeltachta ar a bhfreastalaíonn an fhoireann atá inniúil sa Ghaeilge;
- Leanúint le hobair a dhéanamh go ndéanfar teanga oibre mo Roinne den Ghaeilge sna hoifigí atá lonnaithe i gceantair Ghaeltachta.
- Treoirlínte, bileoga faisnéise agus foirmeacha iarratais a sholáthar i bhformáid dhátheangach;
- Roinnt preaseisiúintí a chur ar fáil go dátheangach ar láithreán gréasáin mo Roinne.
Ceist atá sna bearta faoina dtugann na Comhlachtaí Stáit faoi choimirce mo Roinne a bhfuil ar na Comhlachtaí Stáit, iad féin, plé léi.
444. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has confidence in the chairperson and board members of the Irish Greyhound Board; if he is satisfied with the chairperson's performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21556/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the publication of the Indecon Report in July 2014, Bord na gCon submitted an action plan in October 2014 with timelines for implementing the 27 recommendations in the Indecon Report dealing with governance, finance, regulation and welfare. This action plan has been published on the Bord na gCon website.
Bord na gCon has assured my Department that it has assiduously followed up on these undertakings and my Department is in ongoing consultation with them on the implementation of recommendations which require legislative changes.
Bord na gCon regularly updates my Department with regard to the implementation of the recommendations in the Indecon report, with a view to ensuring that the greyhound industry can reach its full potential and prosper into the future.
I am satisfied that the Chairman and Board of Bord na gCon continue to discharge their statutory and other functions and obligations on an ongoing basis and, for its part, the Department continues to discharge all its monitoring responsibilities with regard to Bord na gCon in accordance with legislation and with Government policy in relation to commercial State Bodies.
445. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo cannot claim a payment for ponies under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21561/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the 2012 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1 May 2013. Under the Terms and Conditions and Specifications of AEOS, an applicant cannot use the circumstances of another person to qualify for payment. All applicants for the scheme are expected to be familiar with the various scheme conditions and indeed all have signed an application form acknowledging this.
The Specifications for AEOS state that the applicant must be the registered owner of all animals claimed for and also be a member of an approved Breed Society for the duration of the contract.
In this case, it has been established that the person in question is not a member of an approved Breeders Society and does not have Connemara ponies registered in their name.
446. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department or any of the agencies under the remit of his Department has carried out an investigation into the dumping of dead salmon found at Céibh, an Spidéil, Contae na Gaillimhe recently; if measures have been taken to ensure these dead salmon do not transmit the virus Pancreas disease or any other disease to fish life in Galway Bay; if he will provide details of any investigation being carried out to ascertain the way these fish arrived at this location, and the source of the fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21566/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of an incident involving dumped fish waste at Spiddal Pier, Co. Galway. My Department is currently investigating the incident in conjunction with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Marine Institute. Preliminary indications are that the material concerned is by-product from either a processing or retail premises and has not originated in a marine finfish farm.
I emphasise however, that the investigation is ongoing and therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
447. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide grant aid under either the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme or the farm safety scheme for the replacement of asbestos roofs on farm buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21567/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe various investment schemes being introduced under TAMS II do not provide for the replacement or reconstruction of roofs on farm buildings, irrespective of the original material of construction. The only related investment, and one which is specifically provided for under the existing Farm Safety Scheme, is for retrofitting of safety-cages underneath clear-sheet roofing panels.
448. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on calls to discontinue the sub-segmentation of tonnage and kilowatts, in order to enable the Irish fishing industry to achieve a better, more sustainable balance between maintaining fish stocks and sustaining fishing communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21645/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of the Fishing fleet using vessel capacity in terms of Gross Tonnage and engine power (Kilowatts) is a cornerstone of the Common Fisheries Policy. EU Regulation 1380/2013 sets down Ireland’s Fishing Capacity ceiling from 1 January 2014. This ceiling is expressed in terms of gross tonnes (GT) and engine power (kilowatts – kW) and covers the total fishing capacity of fishing vessels flying Ireland’s flag. Each Member State must manage entries into its fleet and exits from its fleet in such a way that the entry of new capacity into the fleet is compensated by the previous withdrawal of at least the same amount of capacity. This is known as the “entry/exit regime”. As Minister I have responsibility for policy in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing under Section 3 (3) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 2003, as amended by Section 99 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006. I am precluded from getting involved in individual cases, or a group of cases, with which the licensing authority is or may be concerned under Section 3(5) of the 2003 Act.
Segmentation of the fishing fleet has been a feature of the industry from the establishment of the EU Fishing Fleet Register in 1990. The Irish fishing fleet is divided into five segments in accordance with Ministerial Policy Directive 2 of 2003, as amended. The segments are as follows: Refrigerated Seawater (RSW) Pelagic Segment; Polyvalent Segment; Beam Trawler Segment; Specific Segment; Aquaculture Segment.
In addition, the policy sets out a number of sub-segments of the fleet including a sub-segment for vessels exclusively using pots, vessels targeting scallops and polyvalent vessels under 18 m in length. The transfer of capacity between the segments and sub-segments is not permitted, and equivalent “replacement” capacity must be taken out of the segment or sub-segment into which a vessel is being introduced.
In order for vessels to qualify for either a mackerel and/or herring Authorisation, vessels must be licensed with 100% capacity having the required track record as stipulated under the individual mackerel and herring fleet policies.
Please note that fishing capacity is privately owned and is traded commercially, bought and sold independently of the Department and the Licensing Authority.
The request for a change in licensing policy involving the removal or amalgamation of segments or sub segments would have a substantial impact on the Irish fishing fleet. The current fleet policy allows operators to introduce new or replacement vessels and to modify existing vessels subject to the operator providing replacement capacity from the relevant segment and sub-segment. The current policy has been put in place over many years and a change, as requested, would impact many elements of the fishing fleet. It could potentially have significant impacts on access to fishing resources and the management of quotas. I do not want to create an expectation we can go down the road of “safety tonnage”, which is what was available based on the application of very strict criteria, in the past, because “safety tonnage” is specifically not provided for in the new Common Fisheries Policy.
There are many diverse views within the fishing industry and these often conflict. It is important for the further development of the industry that views on any changes to be made are debated widely internally in the industry and that there is the maximum possible level of agreement and support within the industry for any proposed changes being sought by the industry. Where the industry, preferably through the recognised representative structure of Producer Organisations, makes a business case for changes to the licensing policy on the basis of changed circumstance, I would examine any such case. I would encourage the group of vessel owners who are calling for this major change to long standing policy to engage widely with the Producer Organisations so that any proposed changes can be brought forward with widespread support from across the industry. The changes being proposed would significantly impact many operators in the industry. Any amendments to licensing policy, that I might bring forward, will be subject to a public consultation with stakeholders.
449. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an application in respect of persons (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21724/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application was received in my Department on 3 March 2015 from the persons concerned for the re-activation of a dormant herdnumber and for the transfer of that number to the parties concerned. Staff in my Department have been liaising with the applicants on this matter on an ongoing basis. Additional required documentation was received from the applicants on 6 May. The inspection of the holding, which was to take place on 6 May, was deferred to allow for the installation of a cattle crush. That inspection was completed on 19 May and the application has been approved in recent days.
450. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal may avail of the suckler cow scheme in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21739/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe closing date for receipt of applications to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme was extended to 5 June 2015 from the original closing date of 29 May. Applications received on or before this date may be eligible for participation in the Programme.
Officials in my Department are currently validating all applications received by the closing date. This initial validation process will be finalised in the coming days and at this stage I do not know if an application from the person named was received by the closing date. However an official from my Department was in direct contact with the person named last Wednesday and advised him of the extension to the closing date.
451. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 357 of 12 May 2015, when a decision will be made in relation to an independent review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21776/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 April 2014. The person named did not meet the eligibility requirement of the Scheme as per the Terms and Conditions and the governing EU Regulation 21/2004, where all flock owners are obliged to count all sheep and goats in their flock on a specific date each year and return details of same via the Annual Sheep Census Form to my Department by a specified closing date each year. The person named was informed of this position in writing on 3 March 2015 and advised of his right to seek a review to the Independent Agricultural Office. The person named has since availed of this option and the file has been sent to that Office for review. The Independent Agricultural Appeals Office will be in contact with person named directly on this matter.
452. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will respond to issues raised with him by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21789/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of the Fishing fleet using vessel capacity in terms of Gross Tonnage and engine power (Kilowatts) is a cornerstone of the Common Fisheries Policy. EU Regulation 1380/2013 sets down Ireland’s Fishing Capacity ceiling from 1 January 2014. This ceiling is expressed in terms of gross tonnes (GT) and engine power (kilowatts – kW) and covers the total fishing capacity of fishing vessels flying Ireland’s flag. Each Member State must manage entries into its fleet and exits from its fleet in such a way that the entry of new capacity into the fleet is compensated by the previous withdrawal of at least the same amount of capacity. This is known as the “entry/exit regime”. As Minister I have responsibility for policy in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing under Section 3 (3) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 2003, as amended by Section 99 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006. I am precluded from getting involved in individual cases, or a group of cases, with which the licensing authority is or may be concerned under Section 3(5) of the 2003 Act.
Segmentation of the fishing fleet has been a feature of the industry from the establishment of the EU Fishing Fleet Register in 1990. The Irish fishing fleet is divided into five segments in accordance with Ministerial Policy Directive 2 of 2003, as amended. The segments are as follows: Refrigerated Seawater (RSW) Pelagic Segment; Polyvalent Segment; Beam Trawler Segment; Specific Segment; Aquaculture Segment.
In addition, the policy sets out a number of sub-segments of the fleet including a sub-segment for vessels exclusively using pots, vessels targeting scallops and polyvalent vessels under 18 m in length. The transfer of capacity between the segments and sub-segments is not permitted, and equivalent “replacement” capacity must be taken out of the segment or sub-segment into which a vessel is being introduced.
In order for vessels to qualify for either a mackerel and/or herring Authorisation, vessels must be licensed with 100% capacity having the required track record as stipulated under the individual mackerel and herring fleet policies.
Please note that fishing capacity is privately owned and is traded commercially, bought and sold independently of the Department and the Licensing Authority.
The request for a change in licensing policy involving the removal or amalgamation of segments or sub segments would have a substantial impact on the Irish fishing fleet. The current fleet policy allows operators to introduce new or replacement vessels and to modify existing vessels subject to the operator providing replacement capacity from the relevant segment and sub-segment. The current policy has been put in place over many years and a change, as requested, would impact many elements of the fishing fleet. It could potentially have significant impacts on access to fishing resources and the management of quotas. I do not want to create an expectation we can go down the road of “safety tonnage”, which is what was available based on the application of very strict criteria, in the past, because “safety tonnage” is specifically not provided for in the new Common Fisheries Policy.
There are many diverse views within the fishing industry and these often conflict. It is important for the further development of the industry that views on any changes to be made are debated widely internally in the industry and that there is the maximum possible level of agreement and support within the industry for any proposed changes being sought by the industry. Where the industry, preferably through the recognised representative structure of Producer Organisations, makes a business case for changes to the licensing policy on the basis of changed circumstance, I would examine any such case. I would encourage the group of vessel owners who are calling for this major change to long standing policy to engage widely with the Producer Organisations so that any proposed changes can be brought forward with widespread support from across the industry. The changes being proposed would significantly impact many operators in the industry. Any amendments to licensing policy, that I might bring forward, will be subject to a public consultation with stakeholders.
