Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to extend the list of designated ports for the landing of fish, taking into account the problems associated with fishing boats having to travel long distances, particularly in bad weather. [3290/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The designation of ports for landing of pelagic species (herring, mackerel, etc.) is necessary in order to satisfy EU requirements and also for the purpose of appropriate control of landings. Furthermore a significant level of resources must be made available at each designated port by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority in order to fulfil its responsibilities under European and National law properly. It follows that the number of ports designated must necessarily be limited.

Ireland's list of designated ports for the Celtic Sea Herring fishery was revised in late 2006 to include Baltimore and Dunmore East, bringing the total number of designated ports around our coastline to nine. Furthermore, in view of the adverse weather conditions in recent weeks and the tragic events off the south-east coast, I have instructed that Duncannon be designated to receive landings of herring of under 10 tonnes from vessels under 50 feet in length. I am satisfied therefore that a designated port is within reasonable range of any of our fishing vessels at any given time.

I would point out also that it is a matter ultimately for the master of each individual vessel to determine the type of fishing operation that is appropriate having regard to the capability of the vessel and the operational and navigational conditions it will have to contend with in order to participate in any given fishery.

At the same time, I am satisfied that, regardless of the legal framework governing the landings of fish, whether demersal or pelagic, there are no circumstances where the control authorities would give precedence to their regulatory responsibilities over consideration for the safety of a fishing vessel or its crew.