Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will take this. I thank Deputy Ó Cathasaigh for the question. I know this is an issue to which he is strongly committed. I am also very committed to it. The previous Minister, Deputy Creed, initiated a process with regard to banning vessels of a certain size from the six mile zone. I agreed with that policy at the time. I believe it was the right policy. Unfortunately, the process was challenged in the courts on a number of grounds. We only received the judgment last week, which was made on one very small point. We are now reviewing that decision. I am committed to the policy. We are looking at how to proceed. The six mile zone is important for inshore vessels. It is important that the species in that area are protected. I am reviewing how to proceed.

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