Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the award of permits to mussel fishermen in Cromane, County Kerry, in 2009; his views on whether changes should be introduced to the procedures surrounding the award of such permits in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36191/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In agreement with the European Commission, a new regulatory regime was developed in relation to wild fisheries following a European Court of Justice finding that Ireland was not in compliance with its obligations under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. The new regime sets out a process involving the submission of a Fisheries Management Plan, usually by the local fishermen assisted by BIM, the appropriate assessment of that plan by the Marine Institute and public and statutory consultation. In addition, an Advisory Committee made up of the Department, BIM, Marine Institute, the Sea fisheries Protection Authority, fishing industry representatives and the Environment Pillar representing environmental interests advise me in relation to these matters.

The mussel seed fishery in Cromane, County Kerry was opened this year and permits granted in accordance with the new regulatory regime. A meeting to review the operation of the new regulatory regime is currently being planned by the Department and representatives of interested parties will be invited to attend. However it is not likely that the overall design of the new regulatory system will be changed for next year but changes may be made to the procedures if improvements can be identified.