Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

As I explained to the Deputy, the priority since the publication of this report was to get the regulations in place for the larger 14 to 24 m fishing vessels. That decision was made in view of the circumstances and because they are likely to have more people on board, with a greater risk for crew. In that sense I support what the Department has done in prioritising that area. There was no code for the 15 to 24 m vessels and it was decided to put a regulatory regime in place. We are now reviewing the code of practice for fishing vessels less than 15 m in length to ensure those recommendations are put in place.

In answer to the Deputy, the priority was to put a regulatory regime in place for the 15 to 24 m vessels. There was already one in place for vessels under 15 m and that will now be reviewed in light of the recommendation.

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