Seanad debates
Thursday, 21 November 2002
Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage.
The issue of enforcement was mentioned. Every time I visit fishermen in the south east, including Wexford, they tell me that enforcement works against Irish fishermen. However, experience in the Department does not bear this out. Statistics show that more than half of the boardings conducted by Naval Service inspection vessels relate to nationalities other than Irish. We must have enforcement. The European Union and a number of individuals, including Senator Norris and others, are asking for more EU involvement in enforcement. The European Union is giving particular attention to the enforcement of sea fishery rules throughout the Union and targeting weaknesses in its findings. It may also become involved in surveillance and enforcement operations with the services of member states in joint actions. It is looking very seriously at this issue. The enforcement regulations might be strict, but the European Union is looking at other member states and targeting weaknesses and considering how it can have very much stricter enforcement regulations in the future.
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