Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

IFI does operate a fair and transparent licensing application system. The key point is that only those whose main income is from oyster fishing will get the licence. They must show a record to this effect. Account is taken of oyster fishing activity in each of the preceding five years, and this has a bearing on the grade of licence. One must have a boat and the correct dredge. IFI ensures this and does so very well. The Deputy pointed out that the anomaly in the law is that the Department licenses other types of mollusc fishing, including fishing for clams. We are trying to consolidate all the fisheries legislation. While I cannot make any promises, I will consider the point raised by the Deputy, namely, that the Department should be doing the job in question rather than IFI, which carries out its special responsibility fully and well with no maladministration whatsoever. It is clear, transparent and open.

The number of licences to be issued this year will be 24. The number last year was 22 and it was 16 the year before. The number of licences issued has been increasing but this is based on the capacity to allow people to fish in the area in question, on the grounds that they have due regard for EU habitats directives.

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