Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This section was described recently by the SFPA at a committee meeting as a novel approach. I imagine it is not an approach that is taking place across the remainder of the European Union. It appears that Irish fishermen are again to be treated separately and differently from other fishermen across the European Union in terms of the application of this process.

It is important to note that by the time criminal proceedings conclude the timeframe allowed under the regulations in respect of an appeal will have lapsed. Therefore, the outcome of the criminal proceedings could not be relied upon as a point of appeal in terms of the penalty points. I believe this will be injurious to fishermen in the future.

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