Fisheries Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Ceisteanna (1275, 1276)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1275. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the conditions eel fishermen must meet to qualify for compensation will be clarified. [55089/17]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1276. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the number of fishermen who are involved in the eel fishing compensation scheme will be clarified. [55090/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1275 and 1276 together.

I recognise fully the difficulty faced by eel fishermen.  However, there is no property right attaching to public eel licences and, consequently, the issue of compensation does not arise.  Notwithstanding this, criteria for a potential support measure for former licenced eel fishermen are being examined.

Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP), including the closure of commercial fishing, was originally approved by the European Commission under EU Regulation 1100/2007.  In that regard, consultation and discussion with the European Commission is required before the terms and conditions for, or the prospective number of participants in, any potential support measure can be elaborated on.  It is also likely that consultation with the Reven ue Commissioners will be required.