Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of factory ships of international origin that have been brought to shore since the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority came into existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3797/10]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the introduction of the practice of weighing lorries carrying fish on Killybegs Pier, County Donegal in addition to weighing lorries at the local factory; the reason this practice has been introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3793/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 136 together.

These are matters for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), an independent authority, which was established under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 on January 1st 2007. 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, operational activities or its strategic deployment of resources.

I have however, asked the SFPA to respond directly to the Deputies as soon as possible.