Dr. Susan Steele:

It was really helpful to hear the Deputy describe what happens at Union Hall because it is very close to where we are based in Clonakilty and it gives a good image of what has been occurring. The key issue is that this is an EU decision. The removal of the control plan was a removal of a derogation that Ireland had. This decision, through the EU, involves significant changes to weighing practice and the SFPA is working to ensure the industry can introduce them efficiently and in a way that assures compliance with the regulations. We are working with Union Hall through the Clonakilty port office and examining the use of the sampling plan, but the onus is on the operators to weigh the fish.

As for the impact of the control plan on the demersal and shellfish industries, we have committed to producing control plans and will consult the industry in that regard. In-factory weighing for the demersal, shellfish or pelagic industry is slightly different from the audit and the administrative inquiry. There is a commitment but there will not be a quick resolution. The SFPA will have to work on the new control plan, which will have to be submitted under EU legislation. The minimum timeframe, if there are no issues and no further audits are required from the Commission, will be two months. To be open about it, a change will not happen at any point soon.

Weighing will have to occur at landing.

Regarding the question on the administrative inquiry and input from the sector, it does not work like that with an administrative inquiry. The administrative inquiry looked for significant volumes of historic detail about landing figures, landing declarations and other materials. It would not have been appropriate to look for input from the industry in the administrative inquiry. It was looking at data that was stored by the SFPA. It is a very significant undertaking with a significant amount of data being submitted to the Commission for its examination.

The other side to be aware of is that the administrative inquiry is not complete. The removal of the control plan is the first decision we have seen from the Commission. There will be other engagements with the Commission on other aspects coming out of the administrative inquiry and we will communicate and deal with those as they arise. The committee should be aware of that.

The Deputy asked about consultation with the industry. The SFPA has always been committed to and consulted the industry. We meet the consultative committee. At times, the relationship between a regulator and the industry can be difficult and can be strained but we, as an organisation, have always met with the industry and count it as a very important part of our work. Personally, I count it as one of the most important parts of the work.

I do not know if Mr. Kinneen wants to come in at this point on those questions.