Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A decision was taken and a process put in place approximately three or four years ago by my predecessor, Deputy Creed, with regard to preventing large trawlers from operating inside the six-mile zone. That was challenged in court. The court initially put a stay on preventing those boats coming within six miles but removed that stay in a decision a number of months ago. We are awaiting the final judgment and decision of the court in that regard. The objective behind the decision was to prevent large trawlers coming in and particularly targeting sprat inside the six-mile zone, which is an important feeder fish for other fish that feed off them. At the moment, however, it remains in the courts. Once I receive the final judgment, I will consider that.