Mr. Dominic Rihan:

It is absolutely the control regime that is preventing boats from landing, particularly in Killybegs. I know from talking to my Danish and Swedish colleagues that the vessel owners in those countries fear going into harbour because they do not know where they will end up. Until there is a regime that lets vessel owners know that they are going to be treated fair and equitably, they will not land there. It is not worth their while. Killybegs has the massive advantage of its proximity to the fishing grounds yet they choose to steam all the way back to Denmark or to Scotland. That says it all about what is going on. Again, it does come down to what Mr. Byrne said. It is the interpretation of the rules, the harmonisation of the rules and being proportionate in the level of control they are giving to both Irish and visiting boats. These boats have an important role to play in providing raw material to the processors that are struggling. There is a level of heavy-handedness at times. Vessels feel they are being targeted and victimised. A lot of time is spent on inspections that are not necessary. They feel that certain vessels are being victimised.