Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 442: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason licences for oyster, crab, and lobster are being introduced, in view of the fact that fishermen have already paid an average of €50,000 on category A licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38302/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the licensing regime introduced by the Loughs Agency in Lough Foyle this year to develop and regulate the wild oyster fishery in Lough Foyle. Responsibility for the Loughs Agency is a matter for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

In relation to lobster fishing, a discussion document on Managing Access to the Irish Lobster Fishery was launched on the 28th of April 2008 and the public consultation process closed on 21st July. The discussion document had been prepared in close association with inshore fishermen's representatives and involves new arrangements to manage access to the lobster fishery on a regional basis that would form the foundations of a management regime that will encourage a sustainable lobster fishery. The proposals may involve a secondary licensing regime for lobster fisheries. A significant number of views and responses were received and these are currently being accessed with a view to bringing forward arrangement that have a high level of support within the sector. There are no specific proposals for a secondary licensing regime for crab fisheries at this time.