Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

94. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will designate a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry for whitefish landing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22570/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have recently received a request to designate Renard Pier in County Kerry for the landing of Monkfish and Hake. Under Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, fish species subject to a multi-annual plan must be landed at designated ports of landing. Hake is a species subject to a multi-annual plan and any landings of Hake greater than 2 Tonnes must be landed at a port designated in accordance with Article 43 of regulation (EU) No.1224/2009.

In order for a port to be designated for hake landings greater than 2 Tonnes, it must meet the criteria for designation set out in the EU regulations. This states that such ports shall have

(a) established landing and transhipment times;

(b) established landing and transhipment places;

(c) established inspection and surveillance procedures.

In addition to the EU requirements under national measures applicable only to Irish vessels, Monkfish landings in excess of 750kg must be landed at a designated port. This is set out in S.I. No. 55/2013 - Monkfish (Control of Landings) (No. 2) Regulations 2013.

It is the responsibility of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) to develop the necessary procedures, establish a presence at the port and notify the European Commission if a port is designated for Hake under Article 43 of regulation (EU) No.1224/2009. I have asked the SFPA for views on the designation of Renard Pier for the landing of Hake and Monkfish and I will give the matter full consideration when I have received a response.