Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

The Bill proposes a new system of administrative sanctions for fisheries offences. The Fine Gael Bill claims to establish a much improved enforcement mechanism for less serious fisheries infractions, promote a greater culture of compliance and reduce administrative and other costs for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and fishermen alike.

Over recent years we have seen a significant decline in quotas. Scientific evidence shows that many fish stocks important to Irish fishermen have declined to dangerously low levels. It is the health of these stocks which ultimately determines the economic viability of this industry and it must be our priority when considering any new legislation.

The issue of how and at what level sanctions should be applied has been an issue with the fishing industry since fish stocks declined and quotas began to be reduced and more strictly implemented. It is also an issue which has been considered by the Government on many occasions. Under EU law, Ireland is required to have an enforcement system which is effective and dissuasively proportionate, and any failure in this regard could result in a large financial penalties being imposed on the State and the Irish taxpayer, as happened to France in 2005 when it was fined €20 million by the EU. It is of national importance that an appropriate regime is in place to protect fish stocks from any illegal fishing in Ireland's 200 mile exclusive fisheries zone. The Government is committed to supporting changes to the Common Fisheries Policy that strengthen that policy and deliver better management and conservation methods for our fisheries which would have a positive impact on fish stock levels in the medium to long term.

I do not believe this Bill will protect against illegal fishing and may, in fact, have a number of negative effects. There are two potential effects of this Bill. It could introduce low fines for significant offences resulting in increased illegal landings.

See this speech in context