Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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435. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on fishing fleet capacity in view of the fact that the public consultation closed for submissions on 28 February 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14903/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister I have responsibility for policy in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing under Section 3(3) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, as amended by Section 99 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006.  In this context, Section 3 of the Act makes provision for Ministerial Policy Directives to issue to the independent Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing Boats.  I am, however, precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to individual cases, or a group of cases, with which the Licensing Authority is or may be concerned under Section 3(5) of the 2003 Act.

I  received proposals from a Producer Organisation (PO) which, in summary, relate to the possibility of reducing the requirement to provide 100% replacement capacity with the relevant track record to 80% (the balance being sourced from capacity without track record).  I undertook a public consultation process on these proposals and made a consultation paper available which set out the background to fleet policy and carried out an analysis of the current situation.  The consultation paper examined the implications of the proposals made by the Producer Organisation and also put forward alternative options.  As the Deputy notes, this consultation ended on 28 February 2017.

26 submissions were received in this regard and they are currently being examined.  I will carefully consider, following any further analysis needed, the case for amendment(s) to current licensing policy taking into account the submissions received.  I will have my conclusions published on the Department's website, as early as possible.