John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 290: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a ship (details supplied) is having its name changed; if the shortfall in tonnage for said vessel will be made up; the history of said vessel; and if it will be used in the future for fishing purposes. [23757/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that an application was made to my Department on 23 May 2005 for a name change for the vessel concerned. The ministerial consent required under section 67 of the Mercantile Marine Act 1955 in respect of the name change was conveyed to the vessel owners' solicitors on 26 May 2005. I understand that the name change for the vessel has not been effected yet pending completion of certain registration procedures by the vessel owners with the Registrar of Shipping at Sligo Port.

The Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing Boats, to which responsibility for the licensing of sea-fishing boats transferred under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, has informed me that there is no outstanding shortfall in replacement capacity in respect of the current vessel. Full replacement capacity was provided prior to licensing of the newly built vessel on 10 April 2001. Replacement tonnage was provided on the basis of gross registered tonnes in accordance with licensing policy in place at that time.

The licensing authority understands that the owners of the current vessel propose to introduce a new replacement vessel later this year and to register it under the present name on the vessel. It also understands that they propose to remove the current vessel from the register and expects that the capacity of the vessel will be used towards the licensing of the replacement vessel. Any shortfall in replacement capacity would need to be provided before the replacement vessel could be licensed and registered by the licensing authority. The licensing authority is not at this stage aware of the proposed future use of the current vessel following its deregistration. In the meantime it proposes to renew the sea-fishing boat licence for the vessel with effect from 1 July 2005.