Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 1026: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the certificate of registry issued by his Department in July 2000 in respect of a fishing vessel (details supplied) had incorrect engine details, that this certificate was returned to his Department for amendment and, despite numerous letters and telephone calls in the meantime, the correct certificate of registry was not issued until July 2005; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that as a result of this situation it was impossible for the owners of this vessel to fish legally between 2000 and 2005; the reason, having complied fully with both SI No. 245 of 2005 and SI No. 464 of 2005, an authorisation to conduct scallop fishing was not issued in respect of this vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3084/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The function of the Licensing Authority for sea-fishing boats was transferred under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 to the Registrar General of Fishing Boats. The Act provides that the Licensing Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Act, subject to the law for the time being in force and policy directives in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing.

The Registrar General has informed me that his files show that the individual was issued with licence and registration certificates in July 2000. The incorrect engine power on these documents was based on a survey report submitted in support of the application. Following the matter being brought to attention, an amended licence showing the correct figure was issued in 2002. A subsequent amended licence also showing the correct figure was issued to the individual in 2005 on the re-measurement of the vessel. It was not the practice at the time to keep copies of registration certificates on file, however there appears to be no reason why amended registration certificates should not have issued along with the amended licences in 2002 and 2005. The individual contacted the Registrar in August 2006 for a further copy registration certificate which was issued to him.

The owner of the vessel concerned has raised the issue of his scallop entitlement and has requested the Department to review his vessel's eligibility. This review will be conducted as a matter of urgency.