Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

856. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to amend the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 to provide for wild oyster dredge fishermen to appoint a nominee to fish their licence in their absence in cases of hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26984/16]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised that there is currently no provision in the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 or other Irish fisheries legislation to allow for a nominee to fish on a wild oyster dredge licence. Given the conservation imperative and the need to prosecute the stock responsibly and rationally, the number of licences issued annually in each district is limited to ensure that fishing activity is not intensified.  The number of annual licence applications exceeds the number of available licences in all districts and there are “waiting lists”.

In that regard, the issue of licences, by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), is carried out in an objective and equitable manner, subject to established criteria which are published annually.  Principal among these criteria is prioritising applicants based on track record within the fishery.  In cases of genuine hardship, such as illness, an annual applicant should contact their local IFI Office and consideration can be given to preserving an established track record due to short-term inability to use a licence in these circumstances.

A comprehensive review of the 1959 Act, which is itself a consolidation of legislation dating back to the 1800’s and of all subsequent legislation, is underway in my Department.  This review is dealing with a significant array of multidimensional and long standing issues and the primary focus is on ensuring the enactment of modernised, fit for purpose, legislation, which will underpin conservation, protection, development and stakeholders' interests. 

This is a complex and time-consuming undertaking and it is considered more appropriate to effect required changes comprehensively in the context of consolidating the legislative base for the entire sector rather than attempt to deal with issues in isolation. Draft heads for a new Bill are expected to be finalised in the first half of 2017.