Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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31. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the consultation paper to review the options for more restricted access to large fishing vessels trawling specifically within Ireland’s six mile nautical zone will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18262/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The issue of limiting access to different categories of vessels in inshore waters and within 6 nautical miles has been raised by a number of stakeholders. My Department is currently in the final stages of preparing a formal paper including possible options. I hope to be in a position to present this paper for a full public consultation shortly.

The potential impact of limiting access to different categories of vessels in inshore waters and within 6 nautical miles has been the subject of scientific and economic reports by the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara. There has also been preliminary engagement with fisheries representative groups in respect of these reports. The forthcoming consultation paper will set out possible measures and their potential impacts.

The consultation will be advertised in the National press to ensure the widest possible audience. Let me reassure the Deputy that once the public consultation begins, adequate time will be provided to ensure that the diverse interests of all stakeholders are considered and any possible measures will be fair and balanced.