Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

More than three years ago, the then Government introduced a positive and necessary policy directive, the purpose of which was to stop vessels of over 18 m fishing in our inshore waters. Unfortunately, there was a judicial review, which then went to the Court of Appeal. As I understand it, the Court of Appeal gave its final judgment on 19 July 2022, which was more than six months ago. Only one issue was outstanding - the effect on Northern vessels - and submissions were required on it. Here we are six months later, however, and the policy directive has still not been implemented. It is necessary for the conservation of our fishing stock, in particular sprat. After all of the times I have raised this matter, and in light of the urgency and necessity involved, could someone tell me why we are not implementing the judgment, given that nine of the ten conclusions were in favour with just one relating to Northern vessels outstanding?

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