Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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498. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the point system in respect of serious fisheries infringements as set down in SI 3 (2014) that applies to fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16430/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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S.I. no. 3 of 2014 gives effect to the requirements of Article 92 of EU Council Regulation 1224/2009 and Commission Implementing Regulation 404/2011. In accordance with the EU Regulations, the SI gives full effect to a point system for the Licence Holder of a sea-fishing boat. The points system applies where a serious infringement of the Common Fisheries Policy by an EU Fishing vessel is detected within the Exclusive Fishery Limits of the State or for an Irish vessel, wherever it may be. In my reply to question number 14/13995 of 26 March 2014, I stated that the regulation and SI also applies to third country fishing vessels, this is not accurate as the scope is confined to EU fishing vessels.

The purpose of the EU Regulation stated in the recital is to create a level playing field in fisheries control across the EU. All Member States have given effect to the Article 92 of the Council Regulation in respect of the points system to apply for license holders. The accumulation of points for persistent serious infringements of the Common Fisheries Policy will lead to the suspension of a sea fishing boat licence for a period from 2 months to one year. In extreme cases persistent serious fisheries infringements could lead to the permanent withdrawal of a licence. It should also be noted that I have, in the Statutory Instrument, made provision for a robust and effective appeals process. This process will deliver on the requirements in Article 126(4) of the Commission regulation to deliver an effective system.