Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 56 together.

The Naval Service assists the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, SFPA, in promoting compliance with and deterring contraventions of the Common Fisheries Policy. The SFPA liaises regularly with the Naval Service and, inter alia, the Fisheries Monitoring Centre, FMC, and the Air Corps.

To achieve strict compliance with quota and other conservation legislation under the Common Fisheries Policy, Naval Service targeted boardings and inspections are agreed between the SFPA and the Naval Service. Boardings are targeted based on the risk analysis carried out by the FMC. The criteria examined for the risk analysis would include the fishing vessel's date of last offence, the date of last gear inspection, the number of days fishing in Irish waters, the species targeted and the method of fishing.

In 2010, the Naval Service carried out 1,684 boardings at sea of vessels of various nationalities, with eight fishing vessels detained. Statistics up to the end of May for this year show the Naval Service has carried out 560 boardings and has detained three vessels. Further details relating to the vessels boarded and their country of origin are contained in tabular statements which I propose to circulate with this reply.

FISHING VESSELS BOARDED BY IRISH NAVAL SERVICE – 01 January 2010 to 31 December 2010

FISHING VESSELS DETAINED BY IRISH NAVAL SERVICE – 01 January 2010 to 31 December 2010

FISHING VESSELS BOARDED BY IRISH NAVAL SERVICE – 01 January 2011 to 31 May 2011

FISHING VESSELS DETAINED BY IRISH NAVAL SERVICE – 01 January 2011 to 31 May 2011

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