Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In respect of the latter issue, I will come back and consult with the House. Under the EU requirements, the system must be effective and dissuasive. That is the lingo that is used at EU level. The difficulty in terms of the legal process here versus the legal process in the UK, to which the Deputy alluded and which has points consequential on conviction, is that there can be a long delay in this jurisdiction between the detection of an offence and bringing it to court. The only part of that process that is within my jurisdiction in the Department is the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. I will ensure that it is in a position to fulfil its part of that process as efficiently and effectively as possible. I will also be in contact with the Minister for Justice and Equality in respect of the other matters. I am committed to points consequential on court conviction and that is a commitment I have given to the principal officers with whom I have met. I acknowledge the contributions of other Members of the House, including Deputy Gallagher who raised this matter repeatedly.

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