Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of licences which have been issued in regard to razor shell fishing in the sea off Portmarnock, Baldoyle and Howth beaches; the locations prescribed in these licences; if the method of fishing licensed is indicated; if it includes dredging; and his Department's policies and controls in relation to razor shell fishing. [9894/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The licensing authority for sea fishing boats has informed me that sea fishing boat licences that permit the fishing for razor clams are not area or fishing method specific and that all licensed and registered vessels in the polyvalent general and specific segments are entitled to fish for this species and many others.

As part of the work of the molluscan species advisory group, established under the shellfish management framework and which includes a representative of the razor clam fishermen, a razor clam local advisory committee is to be established in the near future. This will be facilitated by BIM and will seek to develop a sustainable management framework for the fishery.

Harvesting of razor shells is subject to legislative controls and the areas in which such harvesting can take place is classified by ministerial regulations every six months following consideration of the results of an ongoing sampling programme. A system of gatherers dockets is also implemented whereby important information is collected on the fishery in such aspects as the precise location and date of harvesting, the quantities involved and the destination of the harvested razor shells. I also wish to inform the Deputy that the Department's inspectorate staff carries out periodic inspections of fishing activity in this area to ensure that harvesting activities are being undertaken in accordance with the prevailing regulations.