P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the review of penalties imposed on fishermen will be completed; if he will remove the element of criminal prosecution of those charged under the various Fisheries Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19599/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The review of the operation of sanctions under the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 currently being conducted by officials of my Department is ongoing and every effort will be made to have it completed by the early autumn. I look forward to the outcome of this review, and will consider its conclusions carefully. It is important to note that administrative fines for fisheries offences could be introduced in Ireland if such were a requirement under European law. I am supportive of any proposals that may be brought forward by the Commission in this regard.