Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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390. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take immediately to protect fish stock in Ireland’s inshore waters following the recent ruling in the Court of Appeal on the ban on large trawlers fishing in inshore waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47372/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In December 2018, the Minister announced that vessels over 18m will be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone from 1st January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18m targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated in this area. Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was introduced in March 2019 to give effect to the changes.

A Judicial Review was taken by two applicant fishers challenging the validity of the Policy Directive. On 6th October 2020, the High Court judgment held that the Policy Directive was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect. The Minister appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal and a full hearing took place on 22nd June last. Judgment on the case is reserved.

The Minister also sought an extension on the stay on the order of the High Court, which was granted by the Court of Appeal on 19th March last, reinstating the Policy Directive. On 23rd September last, the Court of Appeal refused the Minister's application to continue the stay.

As the matter is sub judice, I cannot comment further until the matter can be resolved before the Courts.