Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the criteria which were used in assessing applications under the Dingle licensing scheme for white fish. [15934/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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This licensing scheme, which was implemented back in 1991, was designed to accommodate the entry of 20 large whitefish boats into the fishing fleet to exploit under-utilised whitefish quotas off the south and west coasts. I understand that the principal criteria for assessment of applications under the scheme related to the economic viability of the project, physical characteristics of the vessel, area of operation, target species, proposed fishing methods, record of the applicant, in terms of qualifications, experience and training and net additional employment generated. Applicants also had to demonstrate that the project was of genuine benefit to the economy as a whole.