Results 12,081-12,100 of 13,220 for speaker:Pat Gallagher

Fisheries Protection. (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: If it is available. I will have to clear that with the Commission. I am sure Deputy Ryan, above all, would not want me to do anything which might prejudice the outcome. We responded to that complaint in November 2003. We provided the detailed information on the management regime and no response was received from the Commission until July last. They have requested further information and now...

Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: A proposed new pier project has been under consideration by Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners for some years. On 16 September 2004, the Minister of State at the time, Deputy Browne, wrote to the chairman of the harbour commissioners and requested that the project be reviewed in terms of its viability, the financial implications for the project due to escalating cost estimates and the risks to...

Written Answers — Search and Rescue Service: Search and Rescue Service (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 314 together. I am very conscious of the need for a new station house for the coastal unit at Doolin, County Clare and I would like to see it provided as quickly as possible. The Irish Coast Guard, IRCG, of the Department and the Office of Public Works have been doing everything they can to acquire a suitable site in the area, but despite intensive...

Written Answers — Drift Net Licences: Drift Net Licences (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Under the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 2005 responsibility for the issue of annual commercial salmon fishing licences rests with the regional fisheries boards. The Central Fisheries Board produces an annual catch statistics report which provides comprehensive details and analysis, including a breakdown of the number of drift net licences issued by the regional boards, on the latest...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Under the vessel decommissioning scheme to permanently withdraw capacity from the demersal and shell fish sectors of the Irish fishing fleet, grant payments will be made in two stages. Some 50% of the total grant payable in respect of a vessel will be paid when the sea fishing boat licence is surrendered and the fishing vessel is removed from the fishing vessel register. The remaining 50% of...

Written Answers — Inland Fisheries: Inland Fisheries (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: As I pointed out to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 431 of 18 October 2005, under the Fisheries Acts responsibility for enforcement of inland fisheries legislation rests primarily with the central and regional fisheries boards. The matters raised by the Deputy in his previous question are therefore an operational matter for the Southern Regional Fisheries Board to address. I am advised...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The practice whereby fishing gear is discarded and left on the seabed and which can thus lead to the occurrence of so-called "ghost-fishing" is in my view a completely unacceptable practice and is a cause for serious concern. This issue is of an international nature and requires an international response in the context of the Common Fisheries Policy. Following the receipt of the Deepnet...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Commission introduced a proposal on management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean Sea in October 2003. However, despite intensive negotiations, most recently at Agriculture and Fisheries Council in September 2005, a regulation has not yet been agreed. The Common Fisheries Policy is in fact much less developed in the Mediterranean than in...

Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: As I previously advised the House, new EU control requirements on pelagic fisheries introduced in 2004 and which continued for 2005 created onerous obligations for member states to ensure that all landings of pelagic fish over 10 tonnes were weighed in the ports in the presence of controllers. During extensive discussions with the industry on the implementation of the new EU procedures, the...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Department has responsibility for marine emergency preparedness and response, maritime safety and ship and port security. A high level of co-operation already exists between EU member states in these areas. In addition, in recognition of the desire of member states and the Commission to strengthen links and create synergies between enforcement authorities, such as national coastguard...

Written Answers — Water Pollution: Water Pollution (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Primary responsibility for water quality rests with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The processes that are in place and the introduction of new measures to stop water pollution in Irish rivers and lakes are matters for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and the relevant local authorities which come under its aegis,...

Written Answers — Heritage Projects: Heritage Projects (15 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: While I have powers under section 46 of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000 to make funding available for the purposes of marine or natural resource based tourism or heritage projects, I have no specific proposals at present for the provision of such funding. Primary responsibility for nature conservation and heritage matters rests with my colleague, the...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (10 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I propose to take Question Nos. 129, 130 and 133 together. Under the Fisheries Acts, the central and regional fisheries boards are primarily responsible for the management and protection of fisheries, including measures relating to enforcement. The wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme, first introduced by the Department through the fisheries boards in 2001, is intended to inter alia...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (10 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I have not received any reports regarding the poor quality of flesh of the 2005 coddling catch. Following inquiries, I have been advised that fish processors and fish buyers in a number of locations around the coast have not reported any quality problems with this fishery. I understand that the Deputy's question is related specifically to filleting problems and in that regard I am informed...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (10 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I have no plans at present to introduce a buy-out of commercial salmon fishing licences but I am continuing to review the matter. In this regard, I would be open to any relevant proposals presented to me whereby stakeholders benefiting from any reduction in commercial catch would engage in the first instance with licence holders and indicate a willingness to address any compensation issues...

Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (9 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The harbour at Kilteery is owned by Limerick County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development is a matter for the local authority in the first instance. A proposal has been received from Limerick County Council seeking funding for the installation of bollards at Kilteery Pier for safety reasons, costing approximately €26,000. This proposal is under consideration at...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (9 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has primary responsibility for the implementation in Ireland of Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna. As the complaint concerns drift net fishing in Irish waters, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is continuing to work very closely with the Department...

Seanad: Broadcasting Legislation. (9 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: On behalf of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, I thank Senator Mooney for raising this important issue, the provision of Irish television services to the Irish community in Britain. RTE's mandate to provide radio and television services is defined in section 28(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2001. This Act states that the national television and...

Written Answers — Ferry Services: Ferry Services (8 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The number of vessels licensed to carry passengers to the Great Blasket Island from Dingle and from Dún Chaoin is as shown in the following table. There are a total of 25 vessels, both passenger ships and passenger boats. My Department has no involvement with the arrangements and schedules that exist for ferrying passengers to and from the island, nor does it have details of the actual...

Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (8 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I assume the Deputy is referring to the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers which will take place in December and decide on the total allowable catches, TACs, and quotas and associated conditions for fish stocks for 2006. The priority for Ireland at this Council will be to achieve a balanced outcome that will provide for a sustainable future for the Irish fishing industry. The need...