Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2145. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the marine service level agreement with the EU is affected by the recent decision to dock Naval Service vessels and take them out of active service; his views on the recent docking; if he has discussed the matter with the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34386/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to inform the Deputy that there is no service level agreement with the EU on fishery controls. Member States' obligations are set out in EU Regulations under the Common Fisheries Policy.
Responsibility for operational matters relating to sea fisheries control rests with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006. The SFPA advise that it has a Service Level Agreement with the Department of Defence in accordance with Section 43 (2)(a) of the 2006 Act to secure efficient and effective enforcement of sea fisheries law through the support provide by the Naval Service and Air Corps.
Under the 2006 Act, the SFPA are independent in the exercise of its functions and, accordingly, I have no remit over the operational activities of the control services of the SFPA, Naval Service or Air Corps.
