Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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430. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter (details supplied) relating to the proposed changes to the limits for vessels over 18 m will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17346/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The matter referred to by the Deputy relates to the measures I announced in December which excluded trawling by large vessels in coastal waters inside six nautical miles. I announced this decision following an extensive and detailed public consultation process. Over 900 submissions were received during the public consultation comprising a wide diversity of views. I carefully considered the issues raised during the process, including safety concerns, and following a detailed evaluation, decided to exclude trawling by vessels over 18m in length overall from inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. Trawling for sprat by vessels over 18m will be phased out by 31 December 2021.

While the overall responsibility for safety at sea rests with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Sea Fishing Boat Licensing Authority will only issue or renew a Sea Fishing Boat Licence if the vessel has a current safety certificate.

As this review was carried out following a full and open public consultation, I do not see any basis for reopening this matter.