Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 359: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the information provided to officials in her Department that illegal fishing is still unregulated. [35262/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, provided for the establishment of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). This independent authority was established on January 1st 2007 to:

(a)Secure efficient and effective enforcement of sea-fisheries law and food safety law

(b)Promote compliance with and deter contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law

(c)Detect contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law

(d)Provide information to the sea-fisheries and seafood sectors on sea-fisheries law and food safety law and relevant matters within the remit of the Authority, through the Consultative Committee (see below) or any other means it considers appropriate

(e)Advise the Minister in relation to policy on effective implementation of sea-fisheries law and food safety law

(f)Provide assistance and information to the minister in relation to the remit of the Authority

(g)Collect and report data in relation to sea-fisheries and food safety as required by the Minister and under Community law

(h)Represent or assist in the representation of the State at national, Community and international for a as requested by the Minister, and

(i)Engage in any other activities relating to the functions of the Authority as may be approved of by the Minister.

The Act clearly provides that the Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions and as such I have no remit as to its work programme or its relationships with other enforcement bodies.

Any information provided to officials of my Department in regard to illegal fishing is referred to the SFPA or other appropriate enforcement agencies.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 360: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on whether the deployment of three Gardaí and four fisheries officers to detain a 30 foot crab boat in Sligo was heavy handed. [35263/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) in conjunction with the Gardaí and Naval Services are engaged in the enforcement of sea-fisheries law. These are independent authorities and as such I have no remit as to their deployment of resources.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 361: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is the policy of the fishery protection agencies to target Irish vessels and landings. [35264/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland has a very important position as custodian of some of the largest and richest waters within the EU but also in our location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ireland continues to maintain high standards in the enforcement of regulations within the Exclusive Fisheries Zone. These regulations and the policy underpinning them are non-discriminatory. The implementation of these regulations is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 362: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list by nationality all vessels detained since January 2007 by the fisheries protection agencies. [35265/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 363: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if fish seized in a raid on a co-op (details supplied) was proven to have been illegally caught; and the value of the fish seized. [35308/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is an independent statutory authority and as such I have no remit as to their day-to-day operational activities.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 364: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her Department's estimate of the value of fish taken illegally from Irish waters each year. [35309/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Securing efficient and effective enforcement of sea fisheries law within the Irish exclusive fisheries zone is a matter for the Sea Fisheries protection Authority working together with the other enforcement agencies.

Data on illegal landings detected by enforcement agencies relate to individual cases and is presented to the Attorney General's Office for consideration in relation to possible subsequent legal proceedings.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 365: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the use of surveillance helicopters to monitor illegal fishing. [35311/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The strategic deployment of resources is a matter for the control and enforcement agencies.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 366: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proportion of fisheries protection officers to the Irish fleet. [35312/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory independent Agency.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 367: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures employed against Japanese tuna vessels operating in Irish waters. [35313/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Tuna Vessels are not permitted to operate with Ireland's Exclusive Fisheries Zone and it is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and the other enforcement agencies to deal with any breaches which might arise.