Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

For some weeks, I have sought information on promised offshore licence legislation and received a helpful reply from the Office of the Taoiseach in that regard. It is urgent that the Minister with responsibility for the marine clarify the conflict which arises between those who enjoy fisheries licences and those who claim to have a licence to engage in pipe-laying. I refer here to Broadhaven Bay.

While I rarely stray from the strict matter of promised legislation, in an attempt to avoid confusion and unnecessary conflict it is important that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform clarify what will be the role of the Garda Síochána when a contradiction arises between fisheries licences and other licences. For whom will the State seek to act in such circumstances?

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