Written answers

Thursday, 20 October 2016

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Fisheries Offences

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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252. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of his previous statements where he indicated his wish to bring forward primary legislation to a scheme that implements the EU fishing points system for licenceholders, if he will provide an update on this; the engagement he has had with fishing producer organisations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31276/16]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that Statutory Instrument No. 125 of 2016 - European Union (Common Fisheries Policy) (Point System) Regulations 2016 – implements the required EU points system, which applies to the Licence Holder of a sea-fishing boat when a serious infringement of the Common Fisheries Policy is detected within the Exclusive Fishery Limits of the State or for an Irish vessel, wherever it may be.

On taking office, I requested and received advice from the Attorney General on meeting the commitment in the Programme for Partnership Government pertaining to the assignment of points following the completion of the prosecution process, while ensuring that Ireland is fully in compliance with its obligations under EU law.

As I have advised the House previously, moving on the introduction of a system for the sequential application for EU points in conjunction with the prosecution process is subject to addressing some important legal and administrative issues in order to ensure compliance with EU law. I have sought further legal advices from the Attorney General on the issues arising and my officials continue to liaise intensively with both the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice and Equality. I intend to report back to the Oireachtas as soon as a way forward has been finalised in the context of dealing with the relevant legal and administrative matters.

I have met with representatives of the fishing industry on various occasions since taking office, most recently earlier this month to discuss a wide range of issues including their concerns in relation to the implementation of the EU Points System and I have updated them on this matter.

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