John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 320: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the night time and weekend landing ban at Killbegs Harbour will be lifted in view of the fact that the restrictions are having an adverse effect on the local economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34318/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As I previously advised the House, new EU control requirements on pelagic fisheries introduced in 2004 and which continued for 2005 created onerous obligations for member states to ensure that all landings of pelagic fish over 10 tonnes were weighed in the ports in the presence of controllers. During extensive discussions with the industry on the implementation of the new EU procedures, the Department acceded to industry requests to allow landings at a variety of ports. In order to implement this decision with the available resources it was necessary to restrict the landing times in the designated pelagic ports.

An amendment to these provisions was adopted by Council in July 2005. This amendment allows for weighing in factories. These provisions continue to place a heavy burden on the Department's control staff. While I accept that it is desirable to provide 24-hour cover for major ports where possible, this has to be balanced with the State's legal obligations to ensure adequate control presence both in factories and at ports when they are open.

In this respect, I sought to augment the Department's resources in order to strengthen control. These additional resources will also allow for longer opening times at the key ports. I have received sanction from the Department of Finance for the necessary additional resources and advertisements have recently been placed inviting applications for these posts. I hope to announce the opening of a number of key ports on a 24-hour basis as soon as the recruitment process has been completed.