I propose to take Questions Nos. 1140 and 1169 to 1171, inclusive, together.
Following on from a commission Audit in 2018, Ireland received a formal decision of the Commission's intention to conduct an administrative inquiry under Article 102(2) of the 2009 EU Fisheries Control Regulation to evaluate Ireland's capacity to apply the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The findings of the inquiry were communicated to Ireland in December 2020. Ireland has subsequently received a Commission Implementing Decision revoking the approval of the Irish control plan submitted for the weighing of fishery products in accordance with Article 61(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
The monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are law enforcement matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, all operational issues of this nature are exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. I am aware that the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) have written to and also met with industry representatives in relation to the revocation of the derogation in the control plan. It is the responsibility of the SFPA to set out new procedures in relation to this changed position. I am expressly precluded from getting involved in operational matters such as those referred to by the Deputy.
My officials have commenced a process of engagement with the EU Commission, in association with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority which is responsible for operational matters. In the context of this engagement, I am not in a position to comment on the EU Commission's findings and the package of measures that the Commissioner has set out. To do so at this juncture would be to prejudice Ireland’s position.
The engagement with the Commission will allow a full evaluation of the findings of the Inquiry and consideration of the actions that the Commission has identified. The EU Commission advised my Department previously that, under Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents, no documents relating to the administrative enquiry could be made public.
