Dr. Susan Steele:

SFPA welcomes this broadening of the tools available to us to ensure timely, proportionate outcomes in serious infringements. It is our aim that this tool be applied fairly and to the benefit of the Irish fishing industry. This system will protect the valuable Irish marine resource by stopping repeat offenders. We are conscious of the responsibility this extra tool brings with it and we aim to be transparent, fair and proportionate in our workings within the system. In a time of limited staff resources the implementation of this system is a challenge for the SFPA but in the journey to compliance this is an extremely important tool. We welcome the committee's feedback and comments.