John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concern among fishermen regarding the issuing of licences to new vessels under 65 feet to fish mackerel; his views on managing the quotas on a track record basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24217/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that under current fishing boat licensing policy, all vessels in the polyvalent (excluding vessels licensed and registered under the Scheme for Licensing of Traditional Pot Fishing Boats) and beamer segments of the fleet under 65 feet in registered length are permitted to fish for pelagic stocks including mackerel. This has been a long-standing policy.

I have announced plans for the development of a comprehensive strategy to take the sector forward and inform funding priorities for the 2007-2013 period. The strategy will cover all aspects of the seafood sector including the fishing fleet, both inshore and offshore. The development of this strategy will involve a number of key elements including, the appointment of an independent leader of the strategy team, and the holding of regional meetings to hear views from all parts of the sector. The matters raised by the Deputy would, I believe, be appropriate for consideration within this framework.