Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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305. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken in relation to the information which was brought to his attention regarding the systematic and regular incidence of black fish being landed on a weekly basis in Castletownbere in County Cork and no action being taken against those responsible. [14771/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As advised in the previous replies, from time to time I receive allegations or such allegations are sent to the Department in relation to illegal fishing activity. In every instance, these allegations are sent to either the SFPA and/or An Garda Síochána, as appropriate, for investigation. This is the only instruction and/or advice given in respect of any such allegation. In respect of the letters received in 2014, in relation to allegations of illegal fishing from three persons, I arranged to have all three letters referred to an Garda Síochána and to the Chair of the SFPA and asked that an Garda Síochána examine all matters set down in the letters as appropriate and asked that the SFPA work, as appropriate, in conjunction with an Garda Síochána in this examination.

As Minister, I do not have a role in operational matters in relation to sea fisheries control under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006. In the event that policy issues arise in respect of this examination or any other such instance, I expect to receive a report in accordance with Section 43.1(e) of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 and in relation to any corporate governance issues that may arise. I have not received to date any report from the SFPA in respect of these allegations.