Seanad debates

Thursday, 26 March 2009

Fishing Fleet Decommissioning Scheme

 

3:00 pm

Photo of Liam TwomeyLiam Twomey (Fine Gael)

This issue arose in the courts and I was informed the case was settled two weeks ago, but that does not seem to be so. The issue relates to the decommissioning of a fishing boat. No vessel can be decommissioned until the Department has given permission for that and permission is usually given on the basis that decommissioning is approved. In this case, because the decommissioning was appealed and this appeal went to court, the shipping vessel in question is still tied up in Kilmore Quay. The Department has been asked to sign off on the vessel and allow it to go for scrappage but to allow the terms stand if the court so agrees. That is because it is now basically a health and safety issue and the ship may be a danger to people who use the harbour. There are also significant costs involved for the individual concerned who must pay for the vessel being in port.

The Department has the discretion to say the vessel can be decommissioned without prejudice to the case. The problem with regard to the court case is that the Minister is, technically, the person being sued. Will the Minister of State inform me whether the case remains sub judice or what we can say on the issue? I understand that in the High Court this morning and two weeks ago no representative turned up from the Department to say whether it agreed with the judge's terms.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.