John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 514: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, with regard to the recent sale of the tonnage of a boat (details supplied), the said tonnage will be distributed among those Irish people who have already applied for a licence but who were denied due to the fact that tonnage had to be first taken off the register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9568/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 the purchase and sale of tonnage is governed by the supply and demand for tonnage in the marketplace at any particular time. I am precluded under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 to exercise any power or control in relation to any particular case with which the licensing authority is or may be concerned.