Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The system applies to vessels over 15 m. Two EU regulations, dating from 1997 and 2003, apply. The latter increased the range of fishing vessels that must comply with VMS regulations to all vessels over 15 m from 1 January 2005. I will check the position on smaller vessels and write to Deputy Costello in response.

See this speech in context