Results 12,081-12,100 of 13,264 for speaker:Pat Gallagher

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: As I indicated to the committee, I will actively pursue the question of a level playing field across the European Union regarding the imposition of administrative penalties for minor sea fishery offences. I will commit myself to doing what I can at European level but I am told the initiative must be taken at that level rather than at national level. We cannot take it because——

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: In the case of sea fisheries, I am advised that the State would face the problem that the required level of sanction would trespass on the exclusive role of the courts in the administration of justice, thus exposing the administrative system to legal challenge. There would be no protection arising from Article 29.4.10° of the Constitution. From a legal perspective, to adopt a system of...

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Low fines in some member states do not and cannot justify Ireland deciding to reduce the level of penalties. I am committed to building sustainable sea fisheries and strengthening control of these fisheries. It is necessary to support this objective with penalties that are dissuasive. Section 32 aims to capture the ill-gotten gains arising from illegal sea fishing and should serve to...

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Perhaps the Deputy will elaborate on that. I challenge him to accuse me of doing something outside the law.

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I challenge Deputy Jim O'Keeffe to put on record and include my name in a statement suggesting I am doing something outside the law.

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Deputy will see what he said in the "blacks". If he wants to withdraw his statement, he can do so now.

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: That is not what the Deputy said.

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I will defend myself at any time, both inside the House and outside the House.

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I am not defensive at all. I have been a Member since 1981, except for some years during which I was in Europe. Integrity is important to me — more important than anything else. If it is not important to Deputy Jim O'Keeffe, that is a matter for him. There is such a thing as integrity——

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: To modernise the implementation and enforcement of the Common Fisheries Policy, in line with developments in other member states and the European Commission, the Bill proposes to legally separate responsibility for enforcement of fisheries policy from the policy-making functions of the Minister. This initiative will vest statutory responsibility and accountability in statutory officers within...

Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I am keenly aware of the industry's views in this area. However, in the context of planning the development of the Killybegs fishing industry, it is important to recognise some key international factors that are impacting on the industry and which are outside domestic influence. The European fishing industry is experiencing difficulties for a variety of reasons, including scientific concerns...

Written Answers — Ferry Operations: Ferry Operations (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I have responsibility for the Irish Ship Register, that is, for Irish registered ships. Applicable national and international law governs the operation of other ship registers. The Irish Ferries Limited ship, the MV Normandy, has been off the Irish Ship Register since 12 January 2005. Obligations on the ship's owners regarding maintenance, crewing standards and certification of those matters...

Written Answers — Marine Safety: Marine Safety (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat Manning) Regulations 2005, SI 649 of 2005, require all skippers of passenger boats to hold a valid certificate for the appropriate class of vessel and a commercial endorsement verifying that the skipper has attained the standard specified in marine notice 27 of 2005 in respect of personal survival techniques, first aid and medical fitness. The regulations...

Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Although the next Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers takes place from 22-24 November, I assume the Deputy is referring to the Council 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...

Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Deputy's question refers to the Supreme Court judgments in the cases of Vincent Browne of 16 July 2003 and Tom Kennedy of 31 May 2005. The provisions of section 14 and section 15 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005, the Second Stage of which is scheduled to be discussed in this House tomorrow, are designed to address the outcome of both cases with regard to fishery...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I assume the Deputy is referring to the judgment of the European Court of Justice, dated 18 November 2004 under Article 226 of the European treaty, which related to a number of cases of Irish fish quotas being exceeded in 1995 and 1996. In the light of this judgment, the European Commission asked Ireland to indicate by 22 January 2005 details of the measures that had been taken or would be...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 156 together. The Government has consistently ruled out buy out as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and has instead, since 2002, promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective. Moreover, no...

Written Answers — Marine Safety: Marine Safety (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 147 together. The Department's specific role in the incident involving a group of people found stranded on an island off the coast of Skerries, County Dublin, was twofold. The first priority was to ensure that rescue services answered the emergency call and brought the persons safely to shore. This operation was carried out successfully and,...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The State is responsible for enforcement of the Common Fisheries Policy which requires that the appropriate resources are in place to monitor and control fishing activity and that the necessary legal tools are available to provide for the prosecution of those who are found fishing illegally. The EU Commission monitors compliance by member states with their responsibilities under the CFP. In...

Written Answers — Legislative Programme: Legislative Programme (16 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Second Stage consideration of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill was postponed to allow time to consider issues raised at a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on 12 October, particularly to seek further advice from the Attorney General on the committee's proposals for the introduction of administrative sanctions to...