Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the situation regarding the implications the sale of the [i]Atlantic Dawn[/i] will have on the Irish fleet particularly on the allocation of quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11773/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Atlantic Dawn fishing vessel has been de-registered from Ireland's sea fishing boat register and accordingly does not have an entitlement to fish Ireland's fishing quotas. The fishing capacity of the vessel, in terms of tonnage and kilowatts, remains in the ownership of the Atlantic Dawn company which, subject to normal sea fishing boat licensing and registration rules, may be reintroduced onto the sea fishing boat register within two years of its removal from the fleet register. Any of the capacity not reintroduced within this timeframe is lost to the vessel owner.

The management arrangements in place for the allocation of quota to individual vessels have been developed over time in consultation with industry representatives. Vessel size has traditionally been an important factor in determining the amount of quota allocated to individual vessels. Proposals from industry representatives for the distribution of quota continue to be framed in the context of specified vessel size categories. The Atlantic Dawn was included in a group of the eight largest vessels and received the same quota allocations as the other vessels in its size category.

Any vessel entering the RSW segment of the Irish fleet, having purchased sufficient capacity would in the normal course enjoy the same quota allocations as other similarly sized vessels in that segment. It is important to emphasise that quotas are a national asset and are not owned by individuals. The normal arrangements for allocation of pelagic quotas for vessels in the RSW pelagic segment will be applied. These arrangements vary from stock to stock. I intend to ensure that the quotas available to Ireland are fully utilised.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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The Atlantic Dawn, as I am told, has been purchased by a Dutch consortium, and I understood the Minister of State to say the quota stays with the vessel for two years. Is that correct?

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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That is correct.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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He is therefore talking about a national asset being exploited by a Dutch consortium for two years when in fact it should be divided among the Irish fleet. Does the Minister of State accept the implications of the decision to allocate so much of the national quota to one vessel and consider that fair? In allocating that quota the Government has discriminated primarily against the greater Irish fleet as has the fact that a national asset is now in the hands of a consortium outside this country. The entire quota for blue whiting was taken up by one vessel. Does the Minister of State believe this was correct? Is it fair to the rest of the fishing fleet that one vessel should have control over the entire quota for one species?

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The spring fishery for herring is closed. If the owners of Atlantic Dawn have a replacement vessel registered and licensed and ready for the autumn fishery, the replacement vessel will be eligible for an allocation of the herring quota.

Atlantic Dawn was given an allocation involving a catch limit of mackerel in January last. This catch limit, allocated by means of authorisation issued by the Minister, was subject to several conditions. The catch limit expired on 7 December. In normal circumstances, unused allocation reverts to the national pool for redistribution to other vessels. Following the de-registration of Atlantic Dawn, the unused mackerel allocation has automatically reverted to the national pool. The vessel owners do not own the quota; it is a national asset. Normal practice would be, where possible, to facilitate the company if it introduces a replacement vessel before 7 December 2007.